Khabib Nurmagomedov Opens as -275 Favorite in Fight vs Dustin Poirier
- Khabib Nurmagomedov is heavily favored in a potential fight with Dustin Poirier
- Nurmagomedov is currently suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission
- The bout may take place in Abu Dhabi in September
At UFC 236, the interim lightweight title was on the line, and fighting for it was featherweight champion Max Holloway and lightweight contender Dustin Poirier. Ultimately, Poirier defeated Holloway by unanimous decision to set up a potential fight with the current champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov, who is currently suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) for his role in the post-fight melee at UFC 229. “The Eagle” was suspended for nine months retroactive to October. And, after the fight, he tweeted at Poirier saying he will be seeing him in September, which is when the fight is expected to take place.
The fight will no doubt be one of the biggest of the year, but where it will take place may surprise some. Rumors have it that the UFC is looking at Abu Dhabi as a potential spot for the Nurmagomedov-Poirer fight in September.
Although the fight is expected to be one of the biggest of the year, the odds have Nurmagomedov as a big favorite ahead of the potential bout.
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Dustin Poirier Odds
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Khabib Nurmagomedov | -275 |
| Dustin Poirier | +235 |
*Odds taken 04/18/19
Nurmagomedov is Undefeated
Nurmagomedov has a case for the greatest fighter of all-time. The Russian is 27-0 and is coming off of a spectacular fourth-round submission win over Conor McGregor. However, in that fight, Nurmagomedov lost his first ever round as a professional. The champion also holds wins over the likes Al Iaquinta, Edson Barboza, and Michael Johnson, among others.
Poirier Has Waited a Long Time for this Opportunity
Poirier, on the other hand, has had a long road to a title shot. He started his career out at featherweight and since moving up to lightweight, all he has had is success. “The Diamond” has gone 5-1 with no-contest in his last seven bouts. He has wins over the likes of Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje, Anthony Pettis, and Holloway.
Although Poirier has had success at lightweight, Nurmagomedov is a completely different animal. His wrestling/grappling is as good as it gets in MMA and he simply mauls his opponent. The line is right about where it is supposed to be for this one. However, there is value on Poirier as at the end of the day it is an MMA fight and anything can happen.
Cole graduated from Sheridan College in April of 2019 with a diploma in journalism. He now is a full-time freelance writer, focusing on MMA for sites like BJPENN, while also covering the Toronto Blue Jays as a credentialed media member. At SBD, Cole covers the four major sports and MMA.
