UFC 242: Dustin Poirier’s Talking Sensible as he Prepares to Battle Khabib Nurmagomedov

So far, Dustin Poirier has been pretty respectable towards Khabib Nurmagomedov, as he gets set to face the undefeated lightweight champ at UFC 242. But, based off what transpired leading up to Nurmagomedov’s last bout against Conor McGregor, and how that went, it’s probably a good idea.

If you followed the lead-up to Khabib’s massive fight with McGregor last October, you know that the preceding weeks included plenty of controversial and intense statements. Much of it came from McGregor, who, has certainly never been reserved when it comes to trash talk.

The consensus was that McGregor was attempting to get in Nurmagomedov’s head (and or promote the fight). But, come fight night, there was really no indication that Nurmagomedov was off his game at all, until, after tapping McGregor in round four, he went after the latter’s cornermen.

Well, on Wednesday the UFC held a pre-fight presser in advance of the September 7th bout between Nurmagomedov and Poirier. As you can see by reading the comments below, Poirier didn’t go about calling Khabib a rat or make inflammatory, historical claims  (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“I don’t need to find huge holes (in his game) – the guy’s good, you know?” he said. “I can’t sit up here and say anything bad about the guy – he’s good. He’s a world champ.

“But I’m going to make things happen in there and bring him to places he’s never been in there. So that’s just it.”

“I’ve learned that I can count on myself, that I can trust me,” he stated. “Adversity introduces a man to himself, and I’ve been through it, man.

“So I’m well acquainted, and I’m ready to rock.”

So, while these comments might not fire around the internet to make headlines, they’re understandable and sensible. Nurmagomedov is one of the greatest fighters of this generation, so why pretend that’s not the case? This is a man who has never lost in MMA, and has dominated the vast majority of fighters he’s faced.

Further, when you consider the lead-up to Khabib’s last bout and what transpired, why even bother attempting to fire off insults? Would fans even buy into that at this point? Probably not right?