Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier featured at the UFC 242 open workouts at Yas Mall before their upcoming title unification bout on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
Khabib Nurmagomedov conducts Q&A session at UFC 242 open workouts
Nurmagomedov chose not to complete an open workout and instead opted to answer questions from the fans in attendance. The lightweight champion and his team will focus on cutting weight for the 155-pound fight in a closed training session.
“Fans wants to connect with you,” said Nurmagomedov following the Q&A session. “I want to give them good energy, I want to give them respect and attention. That’s why I always come and talk with them.
“I’m focused on my next opponent, I don’t underestimate him. I think I’m just a much better fighter than him.”
Dustin Poirier showcases speed during a boxing training session before UFC 242
Before Nurmagomedov answered questions at the UFC 242 open workouts, Dustin Poirier completed a training session in front of the fans at Yas Mall.
“This is my 41st mixed martial arts fight,” Poirier said after the open workout.
“I feel like my whole career has groomed me and molded me for this night, to capitalize and change my family’s life, and to write my name in the history books. To be the best lightweight on the face of the earth, I have an opportunity, 25 minutes on Saturday, and I’m ready for it fully.
“We’ll hear ‘and new’ because I’m at the peak and prime of my career. I’m ready for the pinnacle. I’ve sacrificed, I’ve put blood, sweat, and tears into this. This feels like a super fight. The stars have aligned. I’m primed and prepared at the perfect time of my career to pull off an upset of this caliber.”
You can watch the UFC 242 open workout highlights in the video above, featuring Khabib Nurmagomedov, Dustin Poirier, Edson Barboza, and Paul Felder.