UFC 254: Khabib Nurmagomedov admits he had 'hard night, like always' making weight for Justin Gaethje clash in Abu Dhabi

Undefeated lightweight champion insists his plan remains the same: 'I just want to make this guy tired and finish him'

Khabib Nurmagomedov conceded he had a “hard night, like always” to make weight for his headline bout against Justin Gaethje in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, but said he remained on track to finish his opponent and retain the lightweight title.

Returning to the octagon for the first time in 13 months, the undefeated champion was the first to take the scales at the official weigh-in at Flash Forum on Friday ahead of the much-hyped unification showdown at UFC 254.

However, Nurmagomedov needed to strip off behind a towel to make 155lbs on the mark, with the Dagestan native visibly relieved once his weight was announced.

Gaethje, the interim champion, weighed in not long after at the same number, meaning UFC 254 has its main clash to conclude the five-event “Return to Fight Island” in the capital.

Speaking to BT Sport afterwards, a smiling Nurmagomedov said: “It was a hard night, like always when I’m cutting weight. It’s never going to be easy, even if you cut a couple of pounds or 20lbs. Cutting weight is always hard.”

The champion, whose professional record stands at 28-0, said he wanted to make a statement by being first up on the scales.

“Last time I make weight and I went first, this time I make weight and I go first,” Nurmagomedov said. “When you’re champion you have to show a great example.

“I want to be first everywhere. Even if I do some push-ups with my teammates, go running in the mountains, I want to be first always.”

On how Saturday’s hugely anticipated fight will play out, Nurmagomedov said: “Nothing’s changed. I just want to make this guy tired and finish him. This is my plan.”

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Khabib's best seven fights

UFC 160 (May 2013) – Following his commanding stoppage of Thiago Tavares, Nurmagomedov took on another guy on the up in Abel Trujillo. The Brazilian was expected to offer a stern examination of his opponent’s fabled skills, but could muster barely anything: in the 15 minutes, Nurmagomedov threw around the octagon the heavier Trujillo, completing a barely believable 21 takedowns from 27 attempts. With the decision win, he set a UFC record for takedowns in a single match and secured his position as the promotion’s undisputed best wrestler. Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

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Gaethje, 22-2, seemed to have had less of an issue making weight, although said the opportunity to become the world’s undisputed best lightweight was enough to drive him.

“[Cutting weight] sucks, there’s no doubt about it. But I control everything, what I think, how I feel,” he said. “I know what’s on the other side of that weight cut and that’s the chance to beat the best in the world. It’s not a problem in that regard.”

Gaethje got to run his eye over Flash Forum for the first time also, and said it reminded him of the setting for his interim title victory against Tony Ferguson in Jacksonville, Flordia, in May. As was the case back then, UFC 254 will take place this weekend without fans in attendance.

“That was my first time seeing it – it’s awesome,” Gaethje said. “I’ve fought in that setting; I love how close, how quiet ... I love every single part of that. Intimate as can be; the sound.

"I’ve said many times before: the chemicals that your body releases when you’re in there is something special and I really can’t wait to feel that specifically tomorrow.”

As for a message to fans tuning in come fight night, Gaethje said: “Enjoy the carnage. I go in there and create damage. It’s going to be one hell of a fight on the other side of that curtain tomorrow night.”