On Saturday afternoon in Saudi Arabia, Robert Whittaker underscored the hierarchy within the UFC’s middleweight division, decisively defeating Ikram Aliskerov, a short-notice replacement, in the main event.
Whittaker made quick work of Aliskerov, initially staggering him with a straight right hand before sealing the victory with an uppercut and two subsequent punches. The bout was halted by referee Marc Goddard. This decisive win was crucial for Whittaker, who faced significant stakes after his original opponent, Khamzat Chimaev, withdrew due to food poisoning.
Aliskerov, a promising contender with only one prior defeat to Chimaev, stepped in from a co-main event position at UFC Vegas 93. Despite his potential, the 31-year-old Russian was outmatched, highlighting the gap in experience and readiness for high-caliber fights. However, Aliskerov’s future in the division remains bright, with opportunities likely against other middleweights just outside the top 15.
Whittaker’s performance earned him one of the Performance of the Night bonuses, solidifying his position as the No. 3 middleweight globally. He is now poised for a potential title shot or a significant bout against Sean Strickland, with the winner potentially facing the victor of the upcoming Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus Du Plessis fight, scheduled for August 17 at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia.
Whittaker, having lost twice to Adesanya and once to Du Plessis, has volunteered to step in as a replacement for either fighter if needed. His readiness and recent victory position him strategically for a substantial opportunity in his next fight.
In another highlight, veteran Alexander Volkov demonstrated superior skills in a bout against a former training partner, utilizing reach, precise jabs, and side kicks to secure a unanimous decision victory.
Other notable performances included Shara Magomedov’s third-round TKO win over Antonio Trocoli and Felipe Lima’s impressive third-round submission victory over Muhammad Naimov during the prelims. Volkov’s dominant performance also earned him a bonus, setting the stage for a possible shot at the interim title.
The UFC’s inaugural event in Saudi Arabia showcased a series of impressive bouts, with detailed scorecards and finish highlights provided for fans and analysts alike.