1) UFC Lightweight Title Bout (5 rounds) – Khabib Nurmagomedov v Dustin Poirier
Nurmagomedov: Considered by many to be the No 1 draw in UFC, the Russian boasts a professional mixed martial arts record of 27 wins from 27. He is 11-0 in the UFC and defends the lightweight crown for a second time having overcome Conor McGregor last October. A supreme wrestler, is nicknamed "The Eagle".
Stat attack: 11 first-round finishes. Has finished 13 of last 19 victories.
Poirier: The No 1 challenger having clinched the interim belt by defeating Max Holloway in April, the American is currently on a six-bout unbeaten streak. He has vanquished a number of notable opponents, including Eddie Alvarez, Justin Gaethje and Anthony Pettis. A fierce striker, is nicknamed "The Diamond".
Stat Attack: 13 wins by KO, six by submission. Has 12 first-round finishes.
Head-to-head:
Record: 27-0-0 – 25-5-0 (1 No Contest)
Born: Russia – United States
Age: 30 – 30
Height: 5'10" – 5'9"
Weight: 155LB – 155LB
Reach: 70in – 72in
Leg reach: 40in – 40.5in
KO/TKO %: 31 – 54
Submission %: 31 – 25
Decision %: 38 – 21
2) Lightweight Bout (3 rounds) – Edson Barboza v Paul Felder
Barboza: One of the best kickers in the game, the Brazilian notched the first wheel-kick knockout in UFC, and is devastating with his speed and firepower. Barboza is currently the No 7-ranked contender and a must-watch. Coming off a heavy defeat in March, he defeated Felder on points in 2015. Nicknamed "Junior".
Stat Attack: 12 wins by KO, one by submission. Has ended seven of 20 wins in first round.
Felder: Hugely experienced, the American is another all-action combatant, and is currently ranked 10th in the division. Like Barboza, Felder is a fantastic fighter, never afraid to take it to his opponent – as evidenced in the Fight of the Night clash between the two four years ago. Born in Philadelphia, is nicknamed "The Irish Dragon".
Stat attack: Won five of his past seven fights, with 10 wins in total by KO.
Head-to-head:
Record: 20-7-0 – 16-4-0
Born: Brazil – United States
Age: 33 – 35
Height: 5'11" – 5'11"
Weight: 155LB – 155LB
Reach: 75in – 70.5in
Leg reach: 41in – 40in
KO/TKO %: 60 – 67
Submission %: 5 – 7
Decision %: 35 – 27
3) Lightweight Bout (3 rounds) – Islam Makhachev v Davi Ramos
Makhachev: Having grown up alongside Nurmagomedov, and remained a training partner since the early days, the Russian proves a testing opponent, especially on the ground. Makhachev is ranked 15th in the division and a hard guy to hit. Like his celebrated compatriot, he has the resistance and repertoire to push opponents all the way.
Stat attack: coached by Nurmagomedov's father, he is on a five-fight win streak.
Ramos: Relying on his expert jiu-jitsu, the Brazilian is attempting to make a name for himself in UFC having debuted in the promotion only in March 2017. However, Ramos has provided examples of his prowess since, racking up four wins on the bounce since suffering defeat in his first fight – mostly through submissions. Nicknamed the "Tasmanian Devil".
Stat attack: Won six of his past seven fights and four straight.
Head-to-head:
Record: 16-1-0 – 9-2-0
Born: Russia – Brazil
Age: 27 – 32
Height: 5'10" – 5'6"
Weight: 155LB – 155LB
Reach: 70.5in – 70in
Leg reach: 40.5in – 37.5in
KO/TKO %: 19 – 11
Submission %: 44 – 78
Decision %: 38 – 11
4) Heavyweight Bout (3 rounds) – Curtis Blaydes v Shamil Abdurakhimov
Blaydes: A heavy hitter with an 80 per cent knockout rate, the towering American is out to set up a title shot sometime next year. Currently ranked 4th in the division, his wrestling background makes him an all-round dangerous opponent. Responded to a second career defeat by getting back on winning ways in March. Nicknamed "Razor".
Stat attack: Eight wins by KO.
Abdurakhimov: Stablemate of fellow Dagestani Nurmagomedov, the Russian is sure to enjoy fervent support in Abu Dhabi. Abdurakhimov suffered a debut defeat in UFC, but rallied well to take five victories from his past six bouts. Ranked 9th at heavyweight, he is on a three-fight winning streak, and like Blaydes, is eying a title shot. Nicknamed "Abrek".
Stat attack: Nine wins by KO, four by submission. Has 10 first-round finishes.
Head-to-head:
Record: 11-2-0 (1 NC) – 19-4-0
Born: United States – Russia
Age: 28 – 37
Height: 6'4" – 6'3"
Weight: 265LB – 235LB
Reach: 80in – 76in
Leg reach: 46in – 41.5in
KO/TKO %: 80 – 42
Submission %: 0 – 21
Decision %: 20 – 37
5) Lightweight Bout (3 rounds) – Mairbek Taisumov v Diego Ferreira
Taisumov: A talented fighter, the Russian's once promising career has stagnated of late. Taisumov has fought only three times since April 2016, and the inaction has meant he has not yet delivered on his potential. A high knockout rate portrays his explosive power, with many predicting this match-up could be Fight of the Night. Nicknamed "Beckan".
Stat attack: Six wins by submission, three by KO.
Ferreira: Another fighter riding the crest of a wave, the Brazilian can lay claim to being one of the most underrated combatants at lightweight. Ferreira was suspended for almost two years for an anti-doping violation, but returned in February last year and had since gone 3-0. A former Legacy FC lightweight champion.
Stat attack: Won 15 of past 17 and six in a row - fiv e coming by KO.
Head-to-head
Record: 27-5-0 – 15-2-0
Born: Russia – Brazil
Age: 31 – 34
Height: 5'9" – 5'9"
Weight: 155LB – 155LB
Reach: 73in – 74in
Leg reach: 40.5in – 40.5in
KO/TKO %: 61 – 20
Submission %: 31 – 40
Decision %: 8 – 40
