KHABIB Nurmagomedov once again proved why he is the top pound for pound fighter in the sport, at UFC 242. Still undefeated after 28 fights, he dominated the streaking Dustin Poirer and won in the third round via rear naked submission.
Afterwards the reigning UFC lightweight champion did a nice gesture by offering to sell the shirt he was wearing online with the proceeds going to Poirer’s chosen charity.
THE FIGHT. Both fighters kept their distance but Poirer was bent on landing long naked kicks. Poirer wasn’t too aggressive though, clearly fearing a counter from Khabib or probably a takedown attempt. Khabib started to get aggressive which forced Poirer back late in the first. Khabib did score a takedown and took the fight to the ground, however, this was defended well by Poirer. In the second, Poirer found success with his striking from his southpaw stance, backing Khabib up.
However, the latter managed to trap him along the cage.
When the fight went to the ground, Khabib was able to regain control of the fight, as he kept on applying pressure on Poirer through several grappling positions. When he was able to press Poirer against the cage, he landed some strikes.
Khabib was very busy not only with his hands but also with his legs as he constantly tried to maintain his leverage.
In the third round, a visibly spent Poirer pulled guard in attempting guillotine choke against Khabib. However, the latter masterfully escaped and was able to regain control by taking Poirer’s back. He started pounding on Poirer until he was able to finally clamp his forearm around Poirer’s neck and win via rear naked chokehold.
ELORDE. If it’s not too much to ask, please take time out to include a promising young fighter in your Sunday prayers- Juan Miguel Elorde, grandson of the late Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Juan Miguel will be challenging for the WBO super bantamweight title against Emmanuel Navarette of Mexico at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Navarette is a long-limbed puncher who likes to throw powerful combinations and sports a record of 28-1, 24KOs.
Elorde fully accepts that the odds are stacked against him, but understands this is an opportunity of a lifetime and a chance for him to once again restore the Elorde family name to boxing glory. So please say one to the Man up there.
VERBATIM. “I want to help Dustin because I have more Instagram followers that him.” —Khabib Nurmagomedov at the post fight interview when asked about the shirt he donated to Dustin’s charity.
LAST ROUND. It’s on my favorite twins, Atty. Carrie dela Serna Unchuan and Atty. Marie dela Serna Teves, who celebrated their birthdays yesterday.