Usually, the final day before a fight does not favor communication between fighters and journalists. Traditionally, athletes go through the weighing procedure, after which they make the final preparations for the fight, but an exception was made before the UFC 242 tournament. Khabib Nurmagomedov decided to rehabilitate himself before the media for refusing to participate fully in the media and arranged his own press conference.

It is noteworthy that it was during this event that the UFC showed organizational problems. For some reason, the promotion could not provide sound in the hall, as a result of which the journalists had to leave their seats and surround Nurmagomedov. However, even this did not help, because it was extremely difficult to hear what the champion said.

“The best weight loss ever in my life”

- How do you feel before the fight?

- I feel great. Before weighing, I was a little tired and wanted to sleep. But today I felt this atmosphere, the way they support me. Now there is more than enough energy.

“Aren't you afraid the octagon will be too hot?”

“The local temperature doesn't scare me.” It will be the same for me and for my opponent. +40 degrees or -40 - it doesn’t matter.

- What did you do in Abu Dhabi for a month?

- I trained, sometimes I ate and slept - all that I do the rest of the time. Over the past three months, he has been intensively preparing for the fight. Now extremely focused, ready for battle and hungry.

- You refused to communicate with the press during the media day due to heavy weight loss?

“No, that was the best weight loss ever.” I just wanted to give her all the attention. Sometimes communication with the media takes a lot of energy, and I needed them for training. You may not understand this, but I know what I'm talking about.

“Glad your father Abdulmanap will second you during the battle with Dustin Porrier?”

- Highly. When my father is next to me, I feel that I have a lion behind me.

- For this fight you will get a big fee. At the same time, one gets the feeling that money is not at the forefront for you ...

- Who said that I do not like money? They are very important. Everyone loves them; I am no exception. But for me they are not the main thing. If you think only about them, then problems can arise.

“Why didn't you shake Porie’s hand after the weigh-in?”

- Honestly, I did not pay attention to it. This does not mean whether I respect him or not. Until now, I thought I shook his hand.

- Have you read what the media write about the fight?

- Now I do not even have time to look through everything. Sometimes the truth comes across, at times - no. Over time, he stopped paying attention, as he did before. I have enough of my own affairs.

- Are you hurt by what Oleg Taktarov said about you?

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

- Many people from Dagestan will attend your fight?

- Yes. Many friends, acquaintances, family members will come. I am delighted. They could not get to my fights in the USA, but now they had planned everything in advance. They themselves are impatient.

“Does Porie have the necessary skills to resist you?”

I do not know. Dustin is a very tough fighter who has a lot of experience. In the last battle, he showed that he was able to cover the entire distance. I don’t know how he will cope with my pressure, but I tune in that it will be a five-round war.

“Who do you think is feeling more pressure on yourself before this battle?”

- I think everyone feels it. But it is not important. Tomorrow I will enter the octagon and will fight. This is what I do my whole life.

- There is no feeling of discomfort due to the fact that this time it is you who are in the spotlight?

- The difference between an ordinary fighter and a champion is that you can control your emotions. I have repeatedly proved that I can do this.

- In your opinion, is Porje the most versatile of all your rivals?

- Tomorrow we will see.

- Returning to yesterday's events. You missed the media day ...

- This is not true. I was on it, just did not answer the questions. I had to make weight so that on Saturday you could come to grips and enjoy. The last three months have been the same questions - nothing has changed. Do you know how many times I have answered them? Everything is the same: “How do you like your rival”, “where is your father”, “what do you think”, “how do you feel”, “what is your weight”, “how is your preparation”. You know, just get up, say the same thing 100 times, and you will get tired too.

“Is your father in Abu Dhabi now?”

- My father? (laughs) Of course he is here, brother, I just talked about it. For me, he is not only a coach, but also my dad. I think you don’t understand how much I love him. Let's talk about it. He is almost 59 years old, but he is very strong. We fight with him every day. You should also try. He likes it.

- Why do you think about leaving sports, because you are only 30 years old?

“Who told you that?” I didn’t say that. I am the undisputed lightweight champion, why should I end my career?

- Do not you think that Porrier put in an awkward position, deciding not to communicate with reporters during the media day?

“Do you understand how many people do this?” As for the opponents, I try not to think about them. The way they solve the problems themselves, I have enough of mine. If in this world you start looking for justice, then it will be very difficult. Think about yourself, do not be selfish and try to do your own thing.

- How do you plan to act in the battle with Porrier?

- I had one plan throughout my career. We will bring down and beat. Nothing new. But I'm ready to fight in the stance. I can do it with anyone.