UFC 254 live stream: How to watch Khabib vs Gaethje online and on television
UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov defends his belt against Justin Gaethje at UFC 254 on Saturday, but the greatest obstacle he might have to overcome is the absence of his coach and father Abdulmanap, who passed away in July.
The 57-year-old, who died from complications caused by COVID-19, was instrumental in his son's rise to the top of MMA, where he holds an unbeaten record of 28-0 and a fearsome reputation as one of the best ever to step in the cage.
"You will be missed, father. You were father, friend, brother and coach in one person. You taught me almost everything I know, I hope that you were happy with me," Nurmagomedov said in an emotional Instagram post following his father's passing.
Excitement has built to see the undefeated champion step back into the octagon, with eh tantalising prospect of a rematch with Conor McGregor down the road, should the Irishman remain out of retirement.
Here’s everything you need to know about UFC 254:
When is it?
In a rare treat for UK fans, the main card will get under way at 7pm BST on Saturday.
That follows the prelims, which start at 5pm BST, and the early preliminary card, which begins at 3.30pm BST.
How can I watch it?
UK fans can watch the main card on BT Sport Box Office HD, as well as the broadcaster’s site and app, for a fee of £19.95. The prelims will air to BT Sport subscribers for free.
In the US, the main card will air on ESPN+, which – along with ESPN – will show the prelims. Both channels will also air the early prelims, as will UFC’s Fight Pass.
Predictions
Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje
Adam Hamdani: I just have to back Khabib, I'm not really sure how you can bet against him. He has been so dominant in his UFC career, as well as the entirety of his time as an MMA fighter. He is my P4P No1. In both of Gaethje's losses he has been stopped, and I can see Khabib's ground work being too much for him here. Khabib via submission, round 3
Alex Pattle: Gaethje is Khabib's toughest opponent yet, and I fully believe he can beat Khabib. With his wrestling skills, Gaethje might just be able to keep the fight standing. If he can, this is actually Gaethje's fight to lose. I normally play it safe, but I'm going to say it: Justin Gaethje is going to beat Khabib Nurmagomedov this weekend. Gaethje via decision
Jack Rathborn: I’m rolling with the upset too, with 13 months since his last fight, I think Gaethje’s victory (and the manner no less, with his emphatic display earning him Performance of the Night against Tony Ferguson) this year will provide him with momentum to execute his game plan here and shock the Russian. Gaethje by TKO/KO.
Robert Whittaker vs Jared Cannonier
AH: Cannonier has incredible power and since finding his feet at middleweight has been on quite the win streak, but Whittaker's experience at the highest level might prove too much in this one. Whittaker via decision
AP: There's no doubt in my mind that Whittaker is the more well-rounded mixed martial artist, but Cannonier's power give him every chance of undermining that fact completely. In a three-round fight, with less time in which to get caught, Whittaker should be able to use his versatility and experience to outpoint Cannonier. Whittaker via decision
Alexander Volkov vs Walt Harris
AH: The winner of this one will find themselves back in the mix at heavyweight – a pretty jam-packed mix, but back in the mix nonetheless. When Harris loses, it doesn't often go to a decision, and I can see Volkov stopping him late here. Volkov via TKO, round 3
AP: I think Volkov has more tools, including the ability to keep this fight at a favourable range for him. I expect a technical showing from the Russian and a decision win. Volkov via decision
Jacob Malkoun vs Phil Hawes
AP: Hawes via TKO, round 2
Lauren Murphy vs Liliya Shakirova
AP: Murphy via decision
Magomed Ankalaev vs Ion Cutelaba
AP: Ankalaev via decision
Who is fighting?
Main card
Khabib Nurmagomedov (C) vs Justin Gaethje (IC) – lightweight
Robert Whittaker vs Jared Cannonier – middleweight
Alexander Volkov vs Walt Harris – heavyweight
Jacob Malkoun vs Phil Hawes – middleweight
Lauren Murphy vs Liliya Shakirova – women’s flyweight
Magomed Ankalaev vs Ion Cutelaba – light heavyweight
Prelims
Stefan Struve vs Tai Tuivasa – heavyweight
Nathaniel Wood vs Casey Kenney – catchweight (140lbs)
Alex Oliveira vs Shavkat Rakhmonov – welterweight
Jung Da Un vs Sam Alvey – light heavyweight
Early prelims
Umar Nurmagomedov vs Sergey Morozov – bantamweight
Liana Jojua vs Miranda Maverick – women’s flyweight
Joel Alvarez vs Alexander Yakovlev – lightweight
Odds
Nurmagomedov: 2/7
Gaethje: 11/4
Read more
McGregor ‘accepts’ January UFC rematch with Poirier
UFC star Masvidal backs Trump and says Biden ‘panders to Latinos’
UFC’s commentators on what it’s really like calling the biggest fights
UFC fighter turned commentator Hardy ready to return to the Octagon
