Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia compete against Dustin Poirier of United States in their Lightweight Title Bout during the UFC 242 event at The Arena on September 07, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Dustin Poirier had Khabib Nurmagomedov in a tight spot at UFC 242
Dustin Poirier and Khabib Nurmagomedov met for a title unifying clash at UFC 242. Both held interim UFC Lightweight titles and it was Khabib that came out on top in the clash.
Khabib continued his undefeated MMA streak but it could all have been different in the second round. Poirier had The Eagle in a guillotine choke and it seemed that Khabib would either pass out or have to submit.
However, the Russian was able to adjust his body and escape, which surprised many. Khabib then won the fight but this moment still haunts Poirier.
The Diamond spoke with Joe Rogan on his show and brought up this moment (h/t MMA Fighting):
“I just know how close it was.
“A game of inches, and I know how close it was. What haunts me more than [not pulling] full guard is me not switching to a D’Arce or anaconda [choke] when he rolled to his side.”
While he was close to getting the win and the undisputed belt at UFC 242, there still is a ton of respect between the pair.
Khabib donated to Poirier’s charity after the fight and The Diamond still holds the Russian in high regard:
“It’s just his understanding of balance and weight placement was incredible. I’ve been fighting and wrestling a long time, as well, but he just knew where my weight was and where it needed to be for me to stay up with his foot trips. It’s hard to explain, man, but he’s good.”
Poirier wasn’t the only one who brought up how much trouble Khabib was in at UFC 242.
Kevin Holland also appeared on Rogan’s show a while back and claimed that the Russian must have had some bowel movements during the clash.
Of course, Khabib came out of this unscathed and picked up a huge win but things could have been very different for Poirier.
He now has the chance to become the undisputed champion after beating Conor McGregor at UFC 257. However, the pair are keen on doing a trilogy and not everyone is sure the Lightweight title should be up for grabs.
Khabib has retired from the UFC and it is to be seen when he hands over the title. Dana White is still hopeful that the Eagle returns but he doesn’t seem keen on stepping into the Octagon anytime soon.
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