UFC on ABC 6, the promotion’s debut in the Kingdon of Saudi Arabia, faced a steep curveball recently. However, Ikram Aliskerov stepped in to serve the feature Main Event with timely aspirations. Now, he faces middleweight peer Robert Whittaker on just nine days’ notice. One must note that Ikram Aliskerov is just two fights old under the promotional banner before receiving a main event opportunity.
‘The Reaper’ poses quite the challenge ahead for the surging middleweight. The Aussie is a former 185-pound titleholder and aims to hold the title again. Moreover, he has expletive and oppressive striking. However, Aliskerov isn’t afraid of such a reaping. He also has CEO and top honcho Dana White’s encouraging words to thank for it.
[Dana said] If you win, it will change your life…I was supposed to fight in Las Vegas, but it all worked out. I will now fly to Saudi Arabia…I accepted a short notice bout…will see you there…
Ikram Aliskerov via Sport24.ru (H/T: @RedCorner_MMA)
It’s hard to argue with Dana White. A shot and a subsequent win against Robert Whittaker would definitely propel the Team KHK MMA middleweight’s standing. The 33-year-old Australian’s scrap at UFC on ABC 6 was supposed to have clear No.1 contender implications. However, that came to an abrupt end when his opponent, Khamzat Chimaev, had to pull out.
Funnily enough, Aliskerov last fought on the same card as when ‘Borz’ last fought at UFC 294. His only career loss, as of now, came to the Chechen boogeyman at Brave Combat Federation 23 in April 2019. Now he has all the chance to passively redeem himself for his KO loss, with a matchup of the highest orders. As such, the 31-year-old says he’s ready.
Ikram Aliskerov claims Dana White did not know about his X account ahead of Robert Whittaker fight
The UFC’s debut on Saudi Arabian turf took a critical hit when Khamzat Chimaev fell ill through camp and had to pull out. Luckily, Dana White quickly cued in a new replacement and announced Ikram Aliskerov as the savior. The Combat Sambo World and European champion is a far cry from the Chechen, but the streaking fighter is a force on his own.
Ikram Aliskerov, for UFC on ABC 6 (Source: UFC.go.com/Instagram)Aliskerov (15-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) will look to snag a career-changing victory at the fight. There’s a big chance difference between the 9-week camp offer to compete at UFC Vegas 93 and the nine days now! However, he’s more than ready. In fact, he is ready enough to gag about it lightheartedly:
Dana still don’t know my Twitter account , but it’s until next weekend 👊🏻😀
Ikram Aliskerov via X (@ikram_aliskerov)
Robert Whittaker has remained motivated to regain the middleweight gold. He has a substantial history with current titleholder Dricus Du Plessis, having faced him at UFC 290. However, he might have lost his chance to become the #1 contender after Chimaev pulled out. As such, the bout will no longer have title-eliminator implications.
Now, he meets the Russian southpaw in the revamped top-billed matchup. According to DraftKings’ early bettor’s odds, he is a +130 underdog to the ‘Reaper.’ However, nothing changes for the Russian fighter. Fast forward nine days, and he promises nobody will forget his social tags soon.
