Catch all the latest updates as UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov looks to defend his title vs. interim belt holder Justin Gaethje in the main event of UFC 254 on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
Nurmagomedov enters Saturdays title defense with a perfect 28-0 record. Weighing heavy on the champions mind, however, is the recent loss of his father, Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, who died in July from complications due to COVID-19. Abdulmanap is widely regarded as one of the best MMA coaches of all time and his impact on Khabib was profound.
Gaethje will enter the cage on Fight Island having won the interim title in his last fight with a dominant display of precision striking and power vs. Tony Ferguson at UFC 249 in May. Gaethje is a former All American wrestler, though he has rarely used that aspect of his arsenal throughout his MMA career. The Highlight is 22-2 with 19 knockouts and has won nine UFC performance bonuses in just seven fights in the promotion.
Nurmagomedov is currently a -330 favorite with Gaethje a +260 underdog to win the undisputed lightweight title, according to BetMGM.
UFC 254 live blog
UFC 254 main card (Start time 2 p.m. ET, ESPN+ PPV)
Lightweight: Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Justin Gaethje
Middleweight: Robert Whittaker vs. Jared Cannonier
Heavyweight: Alexander Volkov vs. Walt Harris
Middleweight: Jacob Malkoun vs. Phil Hawes
Flyweight: Lauren Murphy vs. Liliya Shakirova
Light heavyweight: Magomed Ankalaev vs. Ion Cutelaba
UFC 254 prelims (Live now on ESPN2/ESPN+)
Heavyweight: Tai Tuivasa def. Stefan Struve vs. Stefan Struve via KO at 4:59 of R1:
Catchweight (140lbs): Casey Kenney def. Nathaniel Wood via unanimous decision (29-28 x 2, 30-27)
Catchweight (173lbs): Shavkat Rakhmonov def. Alex Oliveira via submission (guillotine) at 4:40 of R1:
Light heavyweight: Da Un Jung vs. Sam Alvey ends in split draw (29-28, 28-29, 28-28)
UFC 254 early prelims results
Flyweight: Miranda Maverick def. Liana Jojua via TKO (doctor stoppage) at 5:00 of R1:
Catchweight (159.5lbs): Joel Alvarez def. Alexander Yakovlev via submission (armbar) at 3:00 of R1:
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UFC 254 live blog: Khabib Nurmagomedov-Justin Gaethje results, highlights and more – Yahoo Sports
