KHABIB NURMAGOMEDOV retained his UFC lightweight title with a ruthless third-round submission win over Dustin Poirier.
The undefeated bear-wrestling Russian star went 28-0 with an incredible turn in the fight.
After a couple of punches and a well defended takedown attempt, it looked like Diamond Dustin was going to get the shock sub win.
The American appeared to have the Dagestani icon in a neck crank and the Abu Dhabi crowd looked terrified their hero might lose his title.
But he wriggled free and, in the blink of an eye, had Poirier in his beloved rear naked choke hold and he had to tap out.
And, in his post-fight interview, he landed another perfect shot at bitter enemy Conor McGregor after their ugly feud.
He said: “My father is here, I want to thank God and I want to thank my father. My brothers are here too, we do everything together, have everything I have because of all of them, my uncles too.
“We showed what MMA really is, it’s all about respect. We are taught respect, it is not about trash talk.
“When you go to a gym you respect the trainer, the coaches, your team-mates and you opponents. You keep the gym clean and tidy it.
“That is what me and Dustin showed.”
A heartbroken Poirier said: “I feel I let myself down, I thought my whole career was destined for this moment.
“Adversity has always taught me in the past to be grateful and graceful and that is what I will.”
