Khabib Nurmagomedov conceded he had a “hard night, like always” to make weight for his headline bout against Justin Gaethje in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, but said he remained on track to finish his opponent and retain the lightweight title.
Returning to the octagon for the first time in 13 months, the undefeated champion was the first to take the scales at the official weigh-in at Flash Forum on Friday ahead of the much-hyped unification showdown at UFC 254.
However, Nurmagomedov needed to strip off behind a towel to make 155lbs on the mark, with the Dagestan native visibly relieved once his weight was announced.
Gaethje, the interim champion, weighed in not long after at the same number, meaning UFC 254 has its main clash to conclude the five-event “Return to Fight Island” in the capital.
Speaking to BT Sport afterwards, a smiling Nurmagomedov said: “It was a hard night, like always when I’m cutting weight. It’s never going to be easy, even if you cut a couple of pounds or 20lbs. Cutting weight is always hard.”
The champion, whose professional record stands at 28-0, said he wanted to make a statement by being first up on the scales.
“Last time I make weight and I went first, this time I make weight and I go first,” Nurmagomedov said. “When you’re champion you have to show a great example.
“I want to be first everywhere. Even if I do some push-ups with my teammates, go running in the mountains, I want to be first always.”
On how Saturday’s hugely anticipated fight will play out, Nurmagomedov said: “Nothing’s changed. I just want to make this guy tired and finish him. This is my plan.”
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Khabib's best seven fights
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UFC 160 (May 2013) – Following his commanding stoppage of Thiago Tavares, Nurmagomedov took on another guy on the up in Abel Trujillo. The Brazilian was expected to offer a stern examination of his opponent’s fabled skills, but could muster barely anything: in the 15 minutes, Nurmagomedov threw around the octagon the heavier Trujillo, completing a barely believable 21 takedowns from 27 attempts. With the decision win, he set a UFC record for takedowns in a single match and secured his position as the promotion’s undisputed best wrestler. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images -
UFC 165 (September 2013) – Undoubtedly Nurmagomedov’s toughest test until that point, the Russian was up against robust veteran Pat Healy, who was coming off a huge victory and on a seven-fight win streak. However, the American could barely withstand Nurmagomedov’s aggression or talent on the mat. He outpaced Healy – a rarity at the time – and outclassed him, earning a decision victory and moving to 5-0 in the UFC. He had come through in fine fashion. Commanding and conclusive, Nurmagomedov had given his first signature triumph. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images -
UFC Fox 11 (April 2014) – After a contract dispute between top contender Gilbert Melendez and the UFC put pay to a much-anticipated clash, Nurmagomedov took on instead fast-rising star Rafael Dos Anjos (RDA) – another significantly daunting opponent. Yet he paid no attention to pre-fight predictions, mauling RDA comprehensively. Nurmagomedov ragdolled a future UFC lightweight champion who had never before let that happen. It was 15 minutes of total domination. Despite the points defeat, RDA went on to capture the belt, but many viewed Nurmagomedov as the division’s de-facto champion. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images -
UFC 205 (November 2016) – Having returned earlier that year following two years of injury and inaction, Nurmagomedov had been expected to fight champion Eddie Alvarez. Much to his annoyance, though, the UFC handed that bout to Conor McGregor. Remaining on the card, Nurmagomedov met the in-from Michael Johnson and, having survived an early onslaught, mauled the American to claim the submission win. Between rounds - sometimes between shots - Nurmagomedov screamed at UFC president Dana White to give him a title shot. “Give me your son,” he declared. “I want McGregor.” Zuffa LLC via Getty Images -
UFC 219 (December 2017) – With his title match against Tony Ferguson scuppered by a bad weight cut, Nurmagomedov returned after another lengthy lay-off – 13 months – to meet the dangerous Edson Barboza. True to form, Nurmagomedov dominated his rival on the ground, punishing the Brazilian with punches and elbows so vicious that at the end of Round 1 Barboza struggled to stand. The huge blows continued, with Nurmagomedov taking the victory convincingly on points. Many proclaimed it Nurmagomedov’s best performance in UFC. He landed the lightweight title in his next bout. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images -
UFC 229 (October 2018) – The highly anticipated scrap with Conor McGregor was fuelled by an altercation ahead of UFC 223, when the Irishman attacked a bus containing various members of Nurmagomedov’s team. Months later, the two rivals met in Las Vegas, where Nurmagomedov made the first defence of his belt, dominating McGregor before sealing a fourth-round submission. After the contest, Nurmagomedov scaled the octagon to attack McGregor’s corner, resulting in a mass brawl. He was later fined $500,000 and banned for nine months. Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images -
UFC 242 (September 2019) – Abu Dhabi marked the setting for Nurmagomedov’s return from suspension, with the fighter’s father Abdulmanap able to corner his son for the first time in his career. At a packed The Arena on Yas Island, the champion saw off interim champion Dustin Poirier by third-round submission, even escaping what at the time seemed a tight guillotine choke from the American. The venue erupted, and Nurmagomedov reciprocated, saying later: “I love these people; these people love me. I want to come back here, maybe next year. Why not?” He held true to his promise. Chris Whiteoak / The National
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Gaethje, 22-2, seemed to have had less of an issue making weight, although said the opportunity to become the world’s undisputed best lightweight was enough to drive him.
“[Cutting weight] sucks, there’s no doubt about it. But I control everything, what I think, how I feel,” he said. “I know what’s on the other side of that weight cut and that’s the chance to beat the best in the world. It’s not a problem in that regard.”
Gaethje got to run his eye over Flash Forum for the first time also, and said it reminded him of the setting for his interim title victory against Tony Ferguson in Jacksonville, Flordia, in May. As was the case back then, UFC 254 will take place this weekend without fans in attendance.
“That was my first time seeing it – it’s awesome,” Gaethje said. “I’ve fought in that setting; I love how close, how quiet ... I love every single part of that. Intimate as can be; the sound.
"I’ve said many times before: the chemicals that your body releases when you’re in there is something special and I really can’t wait to feel that specifically tomorrow.”
As for a message to fans tuning in come fight night, Gaethje said: “Enjoy the carnage. I go in there and create damage. It’s going to be one hell of a fight on the other side of that curtain tomorrow night.”
