Date & Venue: 22nd June 2024 - Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Initially scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev, Robert Whittaker will now take on Ikram Aliskerov after Chimaev withdrew due to illness.
Aliskerov steps in as a replacement, offering an intriguing matchup for the main event.
Middleweight - Main Event
Head To Head Fighter Statistics
| Robert Whittaker | Fighter | Ikram Aliskerov |
| 26-7-0 | Record | 15-1-0 |
| 6' 0" | Height | 6' 0" |
| 185 lbs | Weight | 186 lbs |
| 73.5" | Reach | 76" |
| Orthodox | Stance | Southpaw |
| 4.57 | Sig Strk LPM | 8.24 |
| 45.83 | Sig Strk Acc | 65.43 |
| 0.81 | Takedown Average | 2.33 |
| 38.10 | Takedown Accuracy | 33.33 |
| 0.00 | Submission Average | 2.33 |
Robert Whittaker (-147)
- Record: 14-3 in his last 17 fights
- Recent Performance: Defeated Paulo Costa by unanimous decision after a loss to Dricus Du Plessis
- Key Strengths: Experience, striking, endurance
- Challenges: Avoiding early trouble and pacing for a five-round fight
Ikram Aliskerov (+127)
- Record: Coming off wins in Contender Series and two quick finishes in the UFC
- Recent Performance: Demonstrated strong striking against opponents like Phil Hawes and Warlley Alves
- Key Strengths: Striking, finishing ability
- Challenges: Stepping up in competition against a seasoned fighter like Whittaker, handling a five-round fight on short notice
Analysis
Aliskerov faces a daunting task stepping in against Whittaker, who is seasoned in five-round fights. Whittaker's experience and conditioning give him an edge, especially if the fight goes into the later rounds.
Aliskerov's striking has been impressive, but he has yet to face someone of Whittaker's caliber. Expect Whittaker to maintain composure in the early rounds and capitalize as the fight progresses.
Prediction: Whittaker to win, potentially by finish in the 4th or 5th round.
Method Of Victory Fight Props
- Robert Whittaker by Points +265
- Robert Whittaker by Submission +1600
- Ikram Aliskerov by KO/TKO or DQ +215
- Draw +6600
- Robert Whittaker by KO/TKO or DQ +215
- Ikram Aliskerov by Points +600
- Ikram Aliskerov by Submission +650
View more fight props at BetOnline
Preliminary Card Highlights
Middleweight Bout: Shara Magomedov vs. Joilton Lutterbach
- Magomedov: Known for his grappling skills
- Lutterbach: Versatile striker
- Expect: A clash of styles with grappling vs. striking dynamics
Lightweight Bout: Nasrat Haqparast vs. Jared Gordon
- Both Fighters: Renowned for their pace and aggression
- Expect: A high-energy bout likely to please the crowd
Welterweight Bout: Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nicolas Dalby
- Fakhretdinov: Strength and grappling prowess
- Dalby: Experience and striking ability
- Expect: A test of Dalby's ability to handle Fakhretdinov's grappling
Bantamweight Bout: Muin Gafurov vs. Kyung Ho Kang
- Gafurov: Power and aggressiveness
- Kang: Technical grappling skills
- Expect: An exciting bantamweight matchup with contrasting styles
Light Heavyweight Bout: Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Brendson Ribeiro
- Both Fighters: Display raw power
- Expect: A clash as both fighters look to establish themselves in the division
Tournament Finals | Bantamweight: Long Xiao vs. Chang Ho Lee
- Xiao: Dynamic striking
- Lee: Grappling acumen
- Expect: The crowning of the next potential star in the bantamweight division