Hear from the top stars who competed at UFC 242. You can watch the press conference in the video above and follow Fightful's coverage below.
No gate and attendance numbers for UFC 242. Khabib, Azaitar, Salikhov, Muhammad get performance of the night bonuses.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana praises Khabib for his performance. Says the heat was nothing new for fighters. Calls Felder/Edson a close fight but didn't have it 30-27.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana says Colby and Usman were offered fights but they didn't take them. So they made Diaz/Jorge.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana says Tony Ferguson is next for Khabib, if Tony accepts. Doesn't know when it will happen. Would like to return to Abu Dhabi. Says Izzy/Whittaker would have happened in Abu Dhabi if Khabib/Poirier wasn't done.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana would like to do an International Fight Week in Abu Dhabi, similar to what they do in Vegas every years.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana says "we're getting pretty close" to UFC in Russia. Says they are working on coming to Africa as well, but doesn't know when. Women will headline in the Middle East when there's a big enough fight. "I'd bring a Rousey/Holm fight"
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana says Conor makes a lot of sense for Khabib if Ferguson doesn't take the fight.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana doesn't know when Cruz will be back. Says Benavidez is likely next for Cejudo. Doesn't know what's next for Nunes.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana clarifies that Nunes will fight De Randamie next, but doesn't know when. They tried to do Jon Jones vs. Jan Blachowicz but it didn't get made.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
They've discussed having a fight on top of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi. Dana is getting tired of answering "are you coming to this country?" questions.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana says the "BMF" title is a one-and-done. Won't be defended.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana praises Dustin and Khabib for being so respectful. Says he'll match Khabib's donation to Dustin's foundation. Says Khabib is "a couple fights away from potential GOAT status."
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana doesn't know or see Ramzan Kadyrov at the event.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dana says "sure" when asked about Khabib potentially fighting GSP. A blow off answer as Dana is completely over this whole thing. And that does it for him.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Poirier up next. He thought the third, fourth, and fifth rounds were going to be is as Khabib got tired. Says the guillotine was deep. "I should have jumped full guard."
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Poirier says he couldn't get anything going on the feet because Khabib is so awkward. "It was hard for me to get into rhythm and set up my shots." Says he was prepared and this loss hurts.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Poirier begins breaking down. Says he appreciates Khabib and Dana helping out his charity. But he's taking this loss hard. Says the heat didn't bother him.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dustin says he knew he had Khabib hurt in the second, saw his legs wobble. Praises Khabib's toughness.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Poirier says he wont fight Masvidal. "He's a buddy and training partner. I wont sell out like Colby." Says he'll help Jorge train for Nate.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Poirier says physically, Khabib didn't feel too strong. "I've fought stronger." But skill-wise and balance-wise, Khabib "felt really good." Says he fights to be the champion.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Poirier is already questioning and reflecting on the mistakes he made (not getting underhooks, going full guard). Says it'll haunt him.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Poirier praises Abu Dhabi for being a great host. Apologizes for calling it "enemy territory." Says he has no excuses.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Dustin done. Khabib has arrived. Khabib calls Dustin one of the best in the world. Expected a tough fight. "It was great match."
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Khabib wants to be shown respect by being ranked #1 in the P4P rankings next week.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Khabib's next opponent is "a steak with double cheese and ice" or something. Basically, he's about to maul a big meal. Wants a break before thinking about his next fight.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
"When I go to the cage with my father, I feel like I go to the cage with a lion. Javier Mendez, mexican lion." - Khabib
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Khabib wants to come back to Abu Dhabi next year. Also wants to fight in Moscow and even Africa.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Khabib says he'll fight GSP if GSP wants to come back and can make 155.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Khabib says it's important to help others. Wants to help Dustin with his charity because he has more followers.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
"It was a good guillotine" says Khabib. Could feel him losing power, so he gave him to him to help gas him quicker.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Khabib is not interested in changing weights. "I am lightweight champion." Says maybe he'll go to 170, but not yet. Doesn't care about being double or triple champion.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
Khabib wants them to build an arena in Africa for a fight.
— Fightful MMA & Boxing (@FightfulMMA) September 7, 2019
If you missed anything from UFC 242, check out Fightful's full recap of the event and listen to the post-show podcast.
