Image Credits: Khabib Nurmagomedov, Instagram
Khabib Nurmagomedov continues to provide fascinating insights into key moments from his legendary career…Including the Guillotine Choke Dustin Poirier attempted during their UFC 242 fight.
Poirier locked in a Guillotine twice during their lightweight title fight, but it was his second attempt in the third round that came closest to finishing the fight.However, Khabib managed to escape and immediately secured a Rear Naked Choke to finish Poirier soon after.
And, well, Nurmagomedov explained that he had anticipated Poirier’s Guillotine long before the fight began:
It was all my training camp when I’m going to try to take him down, his right hand Guillotine is very good.He always try this. Not left hand, right hand. Because he’s a southpaw, he takes with right hand and he moves his hips.
I know because I’m orthodox with (my) right hand but I like to choke people with left hand.I knew he was going to try to choke me with (his) right hand.
Khabib revealed that he deliberately allowed Poirier to lock in the choke:
First time I (gave it to him), he don’t take.The second time when he take this, I let him choke me, he goes to maximum, I changed my body.
I came back, I (gave it to) him because I tried to make him tired.
It was my plan, but it was a very dangerous plan. Because you have to be careful.Maybe you think he’s not choking you and you can go to sleep.
After that, when I escaped, I understand he’s finished. I take his back and I choke him out.
