Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier engaged in an interesting conversation during their lightweight title fight.
At UFC 242, on September 7, 2019, at The Arena in Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE, two legendary fighters went toe-to-toe.
In the opening round, ‘The Eagle’ showcased his incredible grappling skills, dominating his opponent on the floor.
Then, after the bell rang, he began talking to his rival.
WOW: Daniel Cormier angrily confronted Khabib Nurmagomedov after UFC legend embarrassed him
Khabib Nurmagomedov asked Dustin Poirier how he was feeling after the first round
In his career, Khabib Nurmagomedov has humbled Belal Muhammad in training, and destroyed Conor McGregor inside the cage. But his performance against Dustin Poirier is still one of his greatest achievements.
After having such a fantastic start to the fight, the warrior decided to start playing mind games with his opponent.”
In an interview with ESPN, the Dagestani revealed: “When I was in the cage with Dustin, after the first round, I tell him, ‘How do you feel’?”
Nurmagomedov then revealed what a cool and composed Poirier replied with: “He said, ‘Nothing, you win first round’.”
While he was undoubtedly behind on the cards, the American rallied back, landing a tremendous punch that hurt his opponent, followed by a guillotine attempt that almost closed the show.
But in the end, the champion battled through, securing a submission of his own to retain the belt.
However, while the legend loved talking to his own opponents inside the cage, he finds it stressful speaking to Islam Makhachev when he’s in the heat of battle.
“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 Nurmagomedov recalls brutal street brawl, where he had to take on two brothers to avenge his cousin
It comes as no major surprise that Khabib Nurmagomedov struggles watching Makhachev fight inside the cage.
After all, this is a man who’s willing to do anything for those he cares about.
On one occasion, he agreed to restore his cousin’s honor after his relative was beaten up.
A furious Nurmagomedov ended up having a street brawl with two different people.