K. Nurmagomedov (left) facing D. Poirier (right). Photo: Reproduction/YouTube UFC
After victory over Conor McGregor at UFC 229, Khabib Nurmagomedov faced Dustin poirier in Abu Dhabi in September 2019. At the time, the American was on a six-match winning streak, with the highlight being his triumph over Max Holloway, which resulted in the interim lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg).
The Russian had been inactive for 11 months. Despite this, Nurmagomedov dominated the fight and won by submission in the third round, with a rear naked choke. However, one of the most remembered moments of this fight is when Poirier applied a very dangerous guillotine, in one of the champion's rare moments of vulnerability. Despite the enormous risk, according to Khabib, the sequence was intentional.
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“His right-side guillotine is very good. The first time, he didn't try. The second time, he got it and I let him choke me. I let him because I wanted to tire him out,” the former fighter told the English podcast 'Inspire Me'.
After escaping the blow, the 'Eagle' managed to end the fight and successfully defend his title for the second time.
“It was my plan, but it was a very dangerous plan. Because you have to be careful. Maybe you think he is not suffocating you and you can sleep. After that, when I escaped, I understood that he was finished. I grabbed his back and strangled him,” he added.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
After the victory over Dustin poirier, Khabib would defend the lightweight belt (up to 70,3 kg) once again, by finishing Justin gaethje in the second round, in the main fight of the UFC 254.
The Russian retired after the triumph, ending his career with an undefeated record of 29 victories.
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