The day before the start of the UFC 242 tournament in Abu Dhabi, weighed in. In the early morning of Friday, fighters are required to prove that they have the right to appear in their category and fit into the limit. Moreover, if participants in non-title fights have a slight indulgence in the form of an additional pound (400 grams), then the champion and the applicant are deprived of such a privilege. In this regard, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Porrier were required to show no more than 155 pounds (70.3 kg) on the scales.
Until 2016, the weighing procedure took place in one step. Exactly a day before the start of the tournament, a single ceremony was held, which could be watched not only by journalists, but also by fans. During it, the fighters not only showed that they corresponded to the limit, but also conducted a duel of views and answered questions from the hosts. True, the latter concerned only participants in top fights.
Subsequently, the UFC management decided to amend the rules to make life easier for athletes. So, the procedure was divided into two stages, and the actual weighing took place only on Friday morning. The fighters were required to show that they can perform in their division, after which they could calmly recover before the fight. The second stage was nothing more than an element of the show, during which the athletes who had already come to their senses entered the scales and fueled interest in the battle.
In Abu Dhabi, the first stage began at 9:00 am local time, and before all, the participants of the main battle of the evening appeared on the scales. The procedure was opened by Khabib Nurmagomedov, who clearly was not in the best condition. The Russian looked exhausted and tired.
It is worth noting that usually UFC fighters throw off a little more mass in order to easily fit into the required limit. Some appear on the scales in shorts, while others do not even take off their t-shirts. However, Nurmagomedov was not able to provide the necessary supply, as a result of which he had to stand on the scales without clothes. The main thing is that the arrow showed exactly 155 pounds.
Later, his counterpart appeared in the hall, which was much more fresh and full of strength. This is not to say that Habib took every step with difficulty, but according to Dustin it was difficult to say that he went through an exhausting race. In front of the corporate counter, the American even smiled a little, after which he quickly left the hall.
In general, all the fighters passed the weigh-in without any particular difficulties, which often accompany this process. Muslim Salikhov looked a little worn out, and only three more athletes had to use the screen. It is noteworthy that two of them were future rivals - Mayrbek Taysumov and Diego Ferreira. At the same time, if the Russian looked pretty healthy, then the Brazilian clearly felt uncomfortable. Also, a screen was required vis-a-vis Liana Jojua - Sarah Moras.
The ceremonial weighing took place in the evening - at 18 o'clock local time. The procedure was preceded by a press conference with the participation of Claudia Gadella, Calvin Gastelum, minimum weight holder Zhang Weili and UFC champion in two divisions Henry Sehudo. Recently, the Olympic champion has behaved extremely defiantly and did not begin to change himself today. So, responding to a challenge from one of the fans, the American urged her to kneel before him.
Fans, on the other hand, had the opportunity to test their strength in various competitions, as well as take pictures with the stars of the Absolute Fighting Championship - Valentina Shevchenko, Andrey Orlovsky, Stephen Thompson or Joseph Benavides.
In the absence of fans of trash current and shocking like Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, the weigh-in went without scandals and fights. The closest to the conflict were Liana Jojua and Sarah Moras, who had a rather emotional duel of views. The rest behaved quite friendly, as a result of which Dana White practically did not have to separate the athletes.
As expected, local fans especially greeted Arab and Russian fighters. So, Islam Makhachev and Zubayra Tukhugov received a loud ovation, and their rivals had a hard time. So, Davy Ramos and Leon Murphy climbed the platform to the disapproving cries of the crowd.
During the appearance on the stage of Dustin Porrier, indignation in the hall reached its climax. Fans booed almost every phrase of the American during the trailer for the upcoming battle, and his exit was accompanied by a loud buzz. Nurmagomedov was greeted with a standing ovation and familiar chant: “Habib! Habib! ”
At the end of the final duel of views before the battle, each of the fighters made a statement. Porrier once again noted that September 7 was the main day for him in his career and promised to take the belt, and Nurmagomedov addressed those present.
“Many thanks to everyone who came - from Russia, the CIS, all countries. I want to thank all my fans. We have been going towards this for so many years and now we are here. Tomorrow I will do everything to win, ”concluded Nurmagomedov.