UFC 242 | Dustin Poirier explains why he is the man to dethrone Khabib Nurmagomedov

27 have tried, and 27 have failed, but Dustin Poirier believes he is different.

In the main event of UFC 242, Khabib Nurmagomedov will look to defend his lightweight title against current interim title holder Dustin Poirier. Although no one has beaten “The Eagle”, Poirier knows exactly what he has to do to win the fight. And, it is simply being himself.

“Experience, self-belief, my mindset. I’m focused on making history, and that’s all I care about,” Poirier said at the UFC 242 press conference. “That’s what the next 11 weeks of my life are doing to be: to prepare for 25 minutes, to do whatever I have to do to get my hand raised.”

However, Dustin Poirier knows he will have to fight well to win on September 7. He understands just how good Khabib Nurmagomedov is. But, Poirier says his pressure will create holes where he will gain the advantage.

“I don’t need to find huge holes (in his game) – the guy’s good, you know?” Dustin Poirier 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.”

Ultimately, after fighting professionally since 2009, this is the moment “The Diamond” has been waiting for. He has grown throughout his career and after beating former champions, he is ready to beat the current UFC lightweight kingpin. And, that all starts by believing in himself and his game plan.

“I’ve learned that I can count on myself, that I can trust me,” Dustin Poirier added. “Adversity introduces a man to himself, and I’ve been through it, man. So I’m well acquainted, and I’m ready to rock.”

Do you think Dustin Poirier can beat Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 242? Sound off in the comment section, PENN Nation!

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/12/2019.