In the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia, elite middleweights No. 3-ranked Robert Whittaker (26-7-0) and the unranked Russian Ikram Aliskerov (15-1-0) take the stage in a five-round feature bout. In a twist of fate, Aliskerov stepped in on short notice to salvage the main event after Chimaev was forced to withdraw due to a severe case of food poisoning, adding an element of unpredictability to the fight.
UFC Saudia Arabia Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov
Australia’s Whittaker comes into this feature matchup as the more experienced and tested fighter, boasting 22 fights with the UFC compared to Aliskerov’s 2 UFC appearances. In those 22 UFC fights, Whittaker has faced some of the best the sport has to offer, with names on his resume like Israel Adesanya, Paulo Costa, Dricus Du Plessis, Marvin Vettori, and Jared Cannonier.
On the other hand, Aliskerov’s record is marked by a significant encounter with Chimaev in 2019, where he was dealt a devastating first-round knockout. This event serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Aliskerov has faced and may face in the future.
When it comes to the fight itself, both fighters stand at a similar height, with Aliskerov enjoying a longer reach. While Aliskerov may have the edge in pure grappling, boasting superior wrestling and submission threats, Whittaker’s defensive grappling prowess is a key factor that could keep this fight on its feet.
That is where Whittaker’s experience and superiority in the striking will shine over five-rounds. Aliskerov will likely look to start the fight explosively early by blitzing Whittaker, and if he cannot finish him, he will be in for a challenging and grueling five rounds.
Don’t just take it from me regarding this fight: former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, the scheduled title challenger, versus Dricus Du Plessis for UFC 305 in Perth, Australia. He gave his take on this matchup here via FREESTYLEBENDER on YouTube.
Prediction: Whittaker via Decision
UFC Saudia Arabia Co-main Event: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov
The co-main event of UFC Saudi Arabia features two Russian heavyweight juggernauts as No. 3-ranked Sergei Pavlovich (18-2-0) and No. 5-ranked Alexander Volkov (37-10) face off in what should guarantee fireworks for fans.
Sergei Pavlovich is one of the fastest starters in mixed martial arts, as he holds a career with fifteen first-round finishes. I do not expect his mentality to change here as he returns to the cage after suffering a highlight-reel first-round knockout against Tom Aspinall for the interim heavyweight title back on UFC 295.
Alexander Volkov, a seasoned heavyweight striker, brings a wealth of experience to this fight. With a resume that includes facing some of the biggest names in mixed martial arts, the 35-year-old six-foot-seven Volkvov is on a three-fight win streak, all stoppages, leading up to this highly anticipated three-round bout.
When it comes to the fight, both Pavlovich and Volkov are likely to keep it standing, where they can showcase the most crucial aspects of their fighting styles. Pavlovich, with his power advantage in his hands, and Volkov, with his sharper and cleaner kicks, are set to deliver an exciting match.
Pavlovich will be able to close the distance and land the needed power punches to Volkov, and I believe Pavlovich will secure a first-round KO/TKO over Volkov.
Prediction: Pavlovich via KO/TKO Round 1
Other Fights on UFC Saudi Arabia
Main Card:
- (205 lbs.) Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Ozedemir (21-8-0, 1NC): Walker via Decision
- (185 lbs.) Kelvin Gastelum (18-9-0, 1NC) vs. Daniel Rodriguez (17-4-0): Gastelum via Decision
- (185 lbs.) Sharaputdin Magomedov (12-0-0) vs. Antonio Trocoli (12-3-0, 1NC): Magomedov via KO/TKO R2
Prelims:
- (155 lbs.) Nasrat Haqparast (16-5-0) vs Jared Gordon (20-6-0, 1NC): Haqparast via KO/TKO R2
- (145 lbs.) Muhammad Naimov (11-2-0) vs. Felipe Lima (12-1-0): Naimov via Decision
- (170 lbs.) Rinat Fakhretdinov (22-2-1) vs. Nicolas Dalby (23-4-1): Fakhretdinov via Decision
- (135 lbs.) Muin Gafurov (18-6-0) vs. Kyung Ho Kang (19-10-0): Kang via Decision
- (205 lbs.) Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (8-0-0) vs. Brendson Ribeiro (15-6-0): Gadzhiyasulov via KO/TKO R1
- (135 lbs.) Long Xiao (26-8-0) vs. Chang Ho Lee (9-1-0): Lee via Decision
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