Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier shared an intriguing exchange during their lightweight title fight at UFC 242 on September 7, 2019, at The Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE. This fight was one for the books, showcasing the dominant grappling skills of Khabib and his mental fortitude in the midst of a high-stakes battle.
In the opening round, Khabib wasted no time demonstrating his unparalleled wrestling and grappling abilities, taking Poirier down and controlling him on the floor. His dominance was apparent as he outclassed his opponent in all areas of the ground game. Poirier, however, was not a fighter to be easily subdued, and as the bell rang for the next round, Khabib decided to engage in a little bit of mind games, something that would set the tone for the rest of the fight.
After the first round, Khabib turned to Poirier and asked, “How do you feel?” This wasn’t just a casual question but a psychological move designed to get inside Poirier’s head. In a career filled with iconic moments, this exchange stands out as an example of Khabib’s confidence and ability to play with his opponents mentally. Poirier’s reply was calm and composed. He simply said, “Nothing, you win first round,” acknowledging that Khabib had clearly won the opening round of the fight.
This exchange highlighted Khabib’s unique approach to fighting. While he had already dominated the first round, he wasn’t just looking to win physically; he was also working to break his opponent’s mental state. This mental aspect of fighting is something Khabib has often showcased, as he is known for his ability to remain calm and focused while also getting into the minds of his opponents.
As the fight continued, Poirier proved that he wasn’t going to back down. Despite being dominated on the ground, he found a way to rally back in the second round. Poirier landed a powerful punch that shook Khabib, followed by a guillotine attempt that had the potential to end the fight. This was one of the few moments in Khabib’s career where he faced real adversity. However, Khabib’s resilience and grappling expertise eventually prevailed. He weathered the storm and managed to submit Poirier, securing a victory and retaining his lightweight title.
Although Khabib’s ability to talk to his opponents during a fight has been well-documented, there is one individual with whom he finds it difficult to engage in conversation during a fight: Islam Makhachev. Khabib, who has often been described as a calm and composed individual in the cage, revealed in an interview with ESPN that while he is able to talk to Poirier and other opponents during a fight, he cannot do the same when it comes to Islam Makhachev. “When I was outside [of the cage] with Islam, for 25 minutes I was talking. I cannot do nothing. I don’t like this, to be honest,” Khabib said, expressing how stressful it is for him to watch Makhachev fight.
This sentiment underscores Khabib’s deep care for those close to him. Makhachev, who has been mentored by Khabib and is considered one of the top fighters in the world, is someone Khabib holds in high regard. His concern for Makhachev’s safety during a fight is palpable, and the pressure of watching his friend compete brings out a side of Khabib that is less about being the dominant fighter and more about being a caring mentor and friend. Khabib’s loyalty to those he cares about has always been evident, and this relationship with Makhachev is no exception. It highlights a more personal side to the warrior who has often been portrayed as a relentless, undefeated champion in the cage.
Khabib’s loyalty and willingness to stand up for his loved ones go beyond the cage. In another story from his past, Khabib recalled a brutal street brawl where he was forced to take on two brothers to avenge his cousin. The incident, which took place in Dagestan, showcased Khabib’s fierce protective nature when it comes to his family. In the heat of the moment, Khabib put everything on the line, not just as a fighter but as a family member determined to restore honor.
These stories of Khabib’s loyalty and his ability to stay composed under pressure paint a picture of a man who is not only a great fighter but also a deeply committed individual to those he loves. Whether it’s in the cage, in the streets, or as a mentor to his fellow fighters like Makhachev, Khabib’s character shines through. His fight against Poirier at UFC 242 remains one of his most significant achievements, not just because of the victory but because it showcased his mastery over both physical and psychological aspects of mixed martial arts.
As Khabib moves into the next chapter of his life, whether as a coach, mentor, or businessman, it’s clear that his legacy in the sport will endure. His approach to fighting, to those he cares about, and to the mental side of competition will be remembered for years to come.
