Pre-Fight Stock Report: UFC 242

The ordering process for Ultimate Fighting Championship pay-per-views has changed: UFC 242 is only available on ESPN+ in the U.S.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship on Saturday will return to the United Arab Emirates with UFC 242, an event headlined by a lightweight title unification bout between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier. Stakes are high across the board.

WHO HAS THE MOST TO LOSE?

Khabib Nurmagomedov: Following a dominant submission victory over Conor McGregor, Nurmagomedov’s stock has never been higher. While a title unification bout with Dustin Poirier was undoubtedly the right call, you would be reaching at best to say this fight does much for the legacy of Dagestani grappler. Going into this fight as an ever-growing favorite, Nurmagomedov will have to dispatch Poirier in quick and convincing fashion if he wants to surpass the heights he reached in the McGregor match. Even then, the task seems tall. Poirier presents problems for “The Eagle” like few of opponents in the way of cardio, pressure and boxing chops -- all things Nurmagomedov’s most recent adversaries were lacking. While the undisputed champion is the obvious favorite, this bout is no cakewalk, and unless he can go out and walk right through Poirier, his stock does not figure to rise spectacularly.

Islam Makhachev: After Makhachev’s fifth straight win in the UFC’s stacked lightweight division, it seemed to be all but guaranteed that one of Dagestan’s finest would be ushered into top-ranked competition. Instead, Makhachev has been given a nightmare of a style matchup with Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Davi Ramos. While not the most active or relevant name in the division, Ramos is a tough out for any lightweight, and his grappling pedigree will likely give Makhachev pause; in most situations, wrestling has seemingly been his greatest ally. If Makhachev manages to surge past Ramos, it’s hard to imagine a sixth straight win wouldn’t elevate him into the division’s upper echelon.

Curtis Blaydes: In 13 career bouts, Blaydes has only lost to one (frightening) man: in Francis Ngannou. Unfortunately for him, that matchup has twice now extinguished any hopes of the “Razor” contending for the UFC heavyweight title anytime soon. Blaydes is once again attempting to pick up the pieces and work his way toward a championship run. In his path stands Shamil Abdurakhimov, an aging UFC veteran riding a three-fight winning streak. This bout has the makings of a lose-lose situation for Blaydes. A win does little for him, given the lack of fanfare surrounding his opponent, while a loss knocks him even further out of title contention with little hope for recovery. Blaydes would be wise to stick to what brought him to the sport’s highest level in the first place and look to initiate grappling exchanges early and often. Abdurakhimov is a well-rounded and crafty veteran, but Blaydes certainly has the advantage if he can control where the bout takes place.

WHO HAS THE MOST TO GAIN?

Dustin Poirier: Following a long and trying UFC career that has spanned two different weight classes, Poirier has finally reached the top of the mountain. However, the marathon is not yet complete. Next comes his biggest test to date in the man many consider to be the best lightweight in UFC history: Nurmagomedov. Going into this title unification bout as a significant underdog, Poirier has little to lose in a battle many see as a wash. Nurmagomedov’s relentless grappling attack is at a level few can match, but there are clear paths to victory for the American Top Team-trained fighter. Poirier’s encounter with Max Holloway showed that pressure is his best friend. Anytime Holloway attempted to lead, Poirier answered with clean, crisp and powerful boxing combinations that made the Hawaiian think twice about engaging. Against Nurmagomedov, Poirier can use the Dagestani’s aggression against him and look to piece together these same sorts of combinations on his way to a surprise knockout win.

Paul Felder: In a rematch of match that took place over four years ago, Felder gets another crack at Edson Barboza in the co-main event. This time around, expect Felder to apply a higher level of pressure than he did the first time. It has become common knowledge that the key to stifling Barboza’s power-packed kicking attack is pressure, pressure and more pressure. Felder has seemingly improved in all areas, most impressively with his ground-and-pound. Felder is an excellent striker in his own right, but taking control of the flow of the bout can greatly disrupt Barboza, and a well-timed takedown can open up space for “The Irish Dragon” to land vicious elbows from inside his opponent’s guard, just as he did against Charles Oliveira. This rematch represents Felder’s opportunity to break through a barrier he has yet to breach and possibly secure a Top 5 opponent.

Mairbek Taisumov: For what seems like years now, Taisumov’s name has caused dissention among even the most weathered MMA personalities. Undoubtedly one of the lightweight division’s most diverse and talented strikers, visa issues have slowed the Tiger Muay Thai-trained fighter’s rise to prominence. In what makes for Taisumov’s first pay-per-view main card appearance, it seems his chance has finally come to distinguish himself from the pack and truly break out as a Top 15 contender with a seventh consecutive victory. While his issues regarding availability remain murky at best, it will be hard for the UFC to deny Taisumov a top opponent while riding one of the division’s most impressive winning streaks. Look for Taisumov to try to open up the PPV with a bang. His aggression and power can cause a difficult time for even the most experienced strikers in the weight class.