For the first time since 2014, Robert Whittaker will face unranked competition.
With Khamzat Chimaev out, the former UFC Middleweight Champion will face rising Russian prospect Ikram Aliskerov on super short-notice. The middleweights meet in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia, the promotion’s first-ever event in Riyadh, held at the Kingdom Arena.
Whittaker has fought the who’s who of the 185lb division, including but not limited to, Israel Adesanya, Dricus Du Plessis, Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori. His opponent might not be as well known as the other names on his resume, however “The Reaper” isn’t underestimating Aliskerov’s skills, noting he could be a tougher matchup that original opponent Chimaev.
Aliskerov would’ve stood perfect in his career had it not been for a past TKO loss to Chimaev in 2019. Since then, the 15-1 fighter has won seven straight with two of those wins coming inside the UFC Octagon. This is Aliskerov’s biggest test to date with a spot waiting for him in the top 5 with a win over a former champ.
Round 1:
Whittaker lands a leg kick. Aliskerov follows a combo with a kick from distance. Whittaker clips Aliskerov with a jab. Whittaker stays active when it comes to his striking, rocking Aliskerov with a right hand that stumbled Aliskerov. Whittaker fires a headkick that doesn’t find its target, but follows it up with a shovel uppercut that is the beginning of the end for Aliskerov as the Russian rushes into the canvas. Whittaker’s punches pile up and the referee stops the contest.
Official result: Robert Whittaker defeats Ikram Aliskerov via TKO (punches) in round 1 (1:49)
Check out the highlights below:
BOBBY KNUCKLES JUST DID THAT 🤯@RobWhittakerMMA with a massive KO win in the Kingdom!#UFCSaudiArabia | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/LZHqKFGgFX
— UFC (@ufc) June 22, 2024
🗣️ Robert Whittaker: “I told everybody, I’m the boogeyman.”#UFCSaudiArabia #UFC #MMAhttps://t.co/a7WZktHS1V
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 22, 2024
A flawless day in the office! ✨@RobWhittakerMMA defeats Ikram Aliskerov by KO#UFCSaudiArabia | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/YtBbogg5ii
— UFC (@ufc) June 22, 2024
"I'm a happy chappy!" 😄@RobWhittakerMMA reacts to his first round KO win #UFCSaudiArabia | #RiyadhSeason pic.twitter.com/4GTiXC60to
— UFC (@ufc) June 22, 2024
