Fighters aren’t just emotionless combat machines designed to inflict pain. They are human with feelings and empathy for their fellow human. This comes as former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov is stepping up for charity. He’s set to purchase Dustin Poirier‘s fight kit from UFC 302.
This isn’t just any fight kit. It’s from Poirier’s potential “Last Dance” in the Octagon. The story began when a charity auction for the kit fell through. Poirier, known for his philanthropic efforts, was left in a tough spot. Enter Khabib, once Poirier’s opponent, who is now playing the role of charitable hero.
Ali [Abdelaziz] reached out to me, Khabib wants to buy it. Tryna figure that out, see if that goes… The highest bid was $25,000.
Dustin Poirier via The MMA Hour
Poirier revealed this surprising development during an interview on The MMA Hour. He seemed both grateful and amused by the turn of events. Poirier revealed that someone had outbid the highest bidder at the last second. This caused him not to sell the kit and it had to be resold. That is where Ali Abdelaziz came in with the offer from Khabib Nurmagomedov to buy it.
The fight kit is Dustin Poirier‘s first custom shorts with gold gloves. Selling such a memorable kit is definitely hard, but Poirier’s commitment to charity seemed unwavering. He’s known for his annual efforts to help kids in need with his The Good Fight Foundation. This organization has helped many people combat their misfortunes over the years.
Khabib Nurmagomedov’s previous donation to Dustin Poirier’s foundation
Rivalries often end at the final bell in MMA, but sometimes, they transform into something truly remarkable. Khabib Nurmagomedov and Dustin Poirier proved this after their UFC 242 bout in Abu Dhabi. Their post-fight exchange wasn’t just about respect. It became a charitable windfall.
Khabib Nurmagomedov sold Dustin Poirier’s t-shirt for charity (via YouTube)Nurmagomedov, the undefeated champion, submitted Poirier in the third round. The fighters swapped shirts in the octagon, a common gesture of sportsmanship. Little did Poirier know, his shirt would soon become a six-figure donation. Nurmagomedov lived up to his “Eagle” nickname. He soared above expectations. He auctioned Poirier’s shirt, raising an eye-popping $100,000 for charity.
The beneficiary of this donation was none other than Poirier’s own, The Good Fight Foundation. This generous act wasn’t just a drop in the bucket. It was the largest single donation the foundation had ever received. Plus, UFC CEO Dana White also matched Nurmagomedov’s contribution to Poirier’s foundation.
