Russian MMA superstar Khabib Nurmagomedov arrives at Abu Dhabi Fight Island for UFC 254

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LONDON: Russian UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov arrived at Abu Dhabi’s “Fight Island” on Yas Island on Tuesday ahead of his upcoming fight with interim Lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. 

The reigning Lightweight champion and the American interim champion will complete final preparations before their unification bout on Saturday as part of UFC 254 at the Flash Forum, with the winner becoming the champion of the Lightweight division.

UFC stars Robert Whittaker and Jared Cannonier, who are fighting in the Middleweight category, have also arrived at the Yas Island coronavirus “safe zone” ahead of their bout.

With 28 career wins and no losses, Nurmagomedov holds the longest active undefeated streak in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), and is the first Muslim to hold a UFC title.

The Russian, nicknamed the Eagle, fought the first defense of his lightweight title against Conor McGregor at UFC 229 on 6 October, 2018 in Las Vegas.