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Curtis Blaydes vs. Shamil Abdurakhimov announced for UFC 242

By Alexander K. Lee
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Curtis Blaydes (pictured) fights Shamil Abdurakhimov in a heavyweight bout at UFC 242 in Abu Dhabi on Sept. 7
Esther Lin, MMA Fighting

Heavyweight contenders Curtis Blaydes and Shamil Abdurakhimov will jockey for position in Abu Dhabi.

Officials announced Monday that Blaydes and Abdurakhimov will meet at UFC 242 on Sept. 7 in Abu Dhabi. The bout was first reported to be in the works by Farah Hannoun.

After a disappointing loss to Francis Ngannou, “Razor” returned to the win column with a unanimous decision nod over Justin Willis at UFC Nashville in March. Blaydes (11-2, 1 NC) has won five of his last six fights.

Abdurakhimov (20-4) has steadily risen up the ranks, winning his last three fights, including knockout wins over Marcin Tybura and Chase Sherman. His UFC record stands at 5-2.

UFC 242 will be headlined by a lightweight title unification bout between champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and interim champion Dustin Poirier.

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