One of the most anticipated sporting events of the summer is finally upon us, as UFC returns stateside for an all-out brawl. UFC 254 airs live ...
Nurmagomedov last fought in Abu Dhabi a year ago, when he forced Dustin Poirier to submit in the third round, which ensured that he made a successful defence of his lightweight belt.his fight is set to be ‘The Eagle’s’ first bout since the death of his father and trainer Adulmanap, who helped turn Khabib into one of the most feared UFC fighters on the planet.
Gaethje, meanwhile, has fought in the Octagon more recently in Jacksonville back in May, when he replaced Khabib as the opponent for Tony Ferguson, who he subsequently TKO’d in the fifth round.
Before that upset victory over his American rival, the fighter known as ‘The Highlight’ had achieved three first-round stoppages against Donald Cerrone, Edson Barboza and James Vick.
Gaethje goes into the fight as the clear underdog, but despite this, ‘The Highlight’ does not appear intimidated by the Russian, as he said: “He isn’t as crazy as me that’s the thing. I think he is crazy and loves competition but he isn’t quite as crazy as me.
“He also hasn’t seen his blood many times I’m sure. His style of fighting is not something that you are looking for blood.”
The co-main event is scheduled to be former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker up against Jared Connonier.
Both fighters are coming off victories, with Whittaker winning via unanimous decision against Darren Till back in July. Connonier, however, has not fought since September 2019 when he stopped Jack Hermansson in the second round.
Four additional match-ups are due to take place at UFC 254. Before the co-main event, Alexander Volkov faces Walt Harris at heavyweight, while lightweights Islam Makhachev and Rafael dos Anjos are also set to do battle.
The night’s other encounters see Cynthia Calvillo against Lauren Murphy in the women’s flyweight division, while Magomed Ankalaev takes on Ion Cutelaba at light heavyweight.
UFC 254: Date and start time
The main event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 24 and will be prime time for UK fight fans.
It is being held at the Flash Forum in Abu Dhabi, behind closed doors.
The early prelims will start at 3.15pm UK time, while the prelims will get under way at 5pm.
The six-strong main card will begin at around 7pm, culminating in Khabib vs Gaethje.
UFC 254: TV and live stream
BT Sport will broadcast the show in the UK and full details on their TV coverage will follow.
The show will be live streamed on BT Sport’s website and app.
The early prelims will be shown on UFC’s Fight Pass for subscribers as normal.
In the US, all prelim bouts will be simulcast on ESPN, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ in English and Spanish.
How can I watch UFC 254 for FREE?
EE mobile customers can get a FREE three-month trial of BT Sport by texting SPORT to 150.
You can then cancel the trial at any time.
UFC 254: Fight card
Full card is subject to change
Main card
Khabib Nurmagomedov (c) vs. Justin Gaethje (ic), Lightweight
Robert Whittaker vs. Jared Cannonier, Middleweight
Alexander Volkov vs. Walt Harris, Heavyweight
Islam Makhachev vs. Rafael dos Anjos, Lightweight
Magomed Ankalaev vs. Ion Cutelaba, Light Heavyweight
Stefan Struve vs. Tai Tuivasa, Heavyweight
Preliminary card
Jacob Malkoun vs. Phil Hawes, Middleweight
Umar Nurmagomedov vs. Sergey Morozov, Bantamweight
Cynthia Calvillo vs. Lauren Murphy Women’s Flyweight
Da Un Jung vs. Sam Alvey, Light Heavyweight
Liana Jojua vs. Miranda Maverick, Women’s Flyweight
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos vs. Shavkat Rakhmonov, Welterweight
UFC 254: What has been said?
Justin Gaethje: “We’re not wrestling anymore. There’s gonna be a zone in front of me, it’s not very big.
“It’s gonna be a zone of death, and I have to represent death every time he enters this zone. That’s what I’m the best at, creating carnage. Creating car crashes.
“So my only goal when I step in there is to create as many car crashes as possible.
“Whether it be our bodies hitting, our heads hitting, our shoulders hitting, my fist hitting his head, his fist hitting my head, it doesn’t matter – I need to create car crashes because it’s the only way to beat this guy.”