On September 7, 2019, at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi, the Octagon witnessed one of the most highly anticipated unification bouts in UFC lightweight history: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Dustin Poirier.

In a clash between two champions — Khabib, the undefeated lightweight king, and Poirier, the interim titleholder riding a career-best win streak — fans expected fireworks. What they got was a masterclass in grappling, strategy, and heart.

Let’s break down the fight, the buildup, and what made it such a defining moment in both fighters’ legacies.

Background: Champion vs Interim Champion

Khabib Nurmagomedov (27-0) entered the bout as the undisputed UFC Lightweight Champion. He had last fought in October 2018, submitting Conor McGregor in a heated rivalry that became the biggest pay-per-view in UFC history.

Dustin Poirier (25-5, 1 NC) had claimed the interim lightweight title earlier that year by defeating featherweight GOAT Max Holloway in a five-round war at UFC 236. Riding wins over Justin Gaethje, Eddie Alvarez, and Holloway, Poirier had transformed himself from dark horse to top contender.

This was a unification bout, with the winner becoming the one true king of the 155-pound division.

The Fight: Khabib’s Relentless Pressure vs Poirier’s Grit

From the opening seconds, Khabib implemented his game plan with trademark efficiency — pressure, takedowns, control. He wasted no time shooting for double-legs, pinning Poirier against the cage, and wearing him down.

 Round 1:

Khabib dragged Poirier to the canvas within minutes. While Dustin did his best to stay active, Khabib’s pressure was suffocating. He controlled position, landed ground strikes, and imposed his will early.

 Round 2:

Poirier came out swinging, landing a few sharp shots on the feet — including one overhand that briefly caused Khabib to reset. But once again, Khabib turned to his grappling. The Dagestani dominated the round with another takedown and top control.

 Round 3:

In the most dramatic moment of the fight, Poirier locked in a guillotine choke as Khabib dove for a takedown. The crowd roared. For a brief second, it looked like Poirier might pull off the upset.
But Khabib remained calm, methodically escaped the choke, and turned the tide instantly — taking Poirier’s back and sinking in a rear-naked choke of his own.

Result:
Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Dustin Poirier via submission (rear-naked choke), Round 3, 2:06

Post-Fight Moments: Class, Respect, and Legacy

After the fight, both men showed immense respect for each other. Khabib exchanged shirts with Poirier and praised his toughness. In a moment that earned universal admiration, Khabib also donated to Poirier’s charity, The Good Fight Foundation.

This fight proved that sportsmanship and dominance can coexist — and that even in a high-stakes title bout, respect can be louder than trash talk.

What This Fight Meant

For Khabib:

Improved to 28-0

Cemented his reign as undisputed lightweight champion

Showed that his style could nullify even elite strikers and submission artists

Strengthened his case in the GOAT debate

For Poirier:

Showed heart, skill, and the will to never quit

Earned even more respect for stepping up and taking the fight to Khabib

Proved he belonged at the elite level of the division

Would bounce back, eventually defeating Conor McGregor twice

Legacy of UFC 242

Took place in Abu Dhabi as part of the UFC’s long-term partnership with the UAE

Massive pay-per-view numbers and global reach

Solidified Khabib’s status not just as a champion, but as a global icon of discipline, humility, and domination

Looking Back

Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Dustin Poirier wasn’t a back-and-forth war — it was a display of excellence vs endurance. It reminded fans why Khabib was so special, and why Dustin Poirier has become one of the most beloved fighters in the sport.

In the end, the better man won. But both men left the cage with their legacies enhanced.