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IT'S a clash of two lightweight powerhouses topping the bill as UFC heads to Abu Dhabi.

Unbeaten star Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champion Dustin Poirier are set to go toe-to-toe in what could be a terrific showdown in the desert.

And there's plenty more to look forward to for fight fans on a packed evening Edson Barboza and Islam Makhachev also in action.

There are worries that Khabib is struggling to make weight for the showdown after he didn't show up to the UFC 242 media day on Thursday – with the weigh-in due just 24 hours later.

When is Khabib vs Poirier?

THIS lightweight title bout is the main event at UFC 242.

It will be held on Saturday, September 7.

The Arena on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi is the venue for what should be a terrific evening of action.

Prelims will get underway around 5pm BST.

And the main card is set for 7pm, meaning Khabib will likely head the Octagon from around 8.30pm.

Which TV channel and live stream can I watch it on?

YOU can catch this title fight and all the prelims on BT Sport.

Coverage begins on BT Sport 2 from 3pm, which will include build-up and coverage of the prelims from the UAE.

If you're a BT Sport subscriber, download the official app to watch wherever you are.

Whilst EE mobile customers can catch all of the prelim action for FREE by signing up to a three-month trial.

Simply text SPORT to 150 and this will allow you to watch on your phone, with casting available to your TV though the service.

The main card itself is a pay-per-view event and will be broadcast via BT Sport Box Office.

Head here to buy the fight for £19.95.

Full card

Main

  • Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Dustin Poirier (lightweight)
  • Edson Barboza vs Paul Felder (lightweight)
  • Islam Makhachev vs Davi Ramos (lighweight)
  • Curtis Blaydes vs Shamil Abdurakhimov (heavyweight)
  • Mairbek Taisumov vs Carlos Diego Ferreira (lightweight)

Prelims

  • Joanne Calderwood vs Andrea Lee (women's flyweight)
  • Zubaira Tukhugoc vs Lerone Murphy (featherweight)
  • Liana Jojua vs Sarah Moras (women's bantamweight)
  • Ottman Azaitar vs Teemu Packalen (lightweight)

Early prelims

  • Belal Muhammad vs Takashi Sato (welterweight)
  • Nordine Taleb vs Muslim Salikhov (welterweight)
  • Omari Akhmedov vs Zak Cummings (middleweight)
  • Don Madge vs Fares Ziam (lightweight)

What they said

Khabib: "I think almost 90 per cent inside the arena, because there'll be a lot of my friends from Russia, from Dagestan, fans from here in the Emirates, Arabic countries, Middle East, and I’m very excited about this.

"I don’t know about my opponent, what he’s going to feel. But Dustin has big experience, has a lot of fights in UFC. He knows that when the cage closes, it doesn’t work: it’s you and your opponent, one-on-one. Fans can't help.

"This is how I think. I don’t know how he’s going to think, and how he feels this pressure. I’m focused on myself."

Poirier: "If I go out there and stop Khabib, I’m the best lightweight fighter to ever strap on a pair of four-ounce gloves. Simple and plain."

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