Eight months after his victory over Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov's next title defense is finally set.
The UFC Lightweight champion will take on interim titleholder Dustin Poirier at UFC 242, with the unification clash taking place in Abu Dhabi on September 7th. UFC President Dana White announced the news on SportsCenter, with the promotion's social media then confirming the bout moments later.
It’s signed! (C) @TeamKhabib vs (IC) @DustinPoirier is official for #UFC242!
— UFC (@ufc) June 4, 2019
Get your tickets & join us #InAbuDhabi https://t.co/d7ivYbEf6S pic.twitter.com/zEhhFtnaUP
Nurmagomedov's latest outing was a memorable one, with his aforementioned win over McGregor being overshadowed by an unforgettable post-fight scuffle. The champion's actions cost him a $500,000 fine as well as a nine-month suspension. Now back in the octagon though, Nurmagomedov will look to make a 2nd title defense and in the process, extend his undefeated record to 28-0.
Opposite him stands the surging 'Diamond,' with Poirier recently winning the interim crown in a gripping victory over Featherweight kingpin Max Holloway. Poirier hasn't lost in almost three years and enters the bout in career-best form, also stopping Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje and Anthony Pettis since November 2017.
UFC 242 takes place on September 7th in Abu Dhabi and will air on ESPN+ PPV. Tickets for the event go on sale on June 7th.
