Danger does not dissipate, but ‘The Repaer’ is out for his next reaping. UFC touches down in Saudi Arabia for its first Fight Night Event. Robert Whittaker takes on short-notice opponent Ikram Aliskerov in the UFC on ABC 6 main event. The sudden replacement has pushed Aliskerov to the upper echelon of the 185lb division. As such, he can prove quite a dangerous opponent, but the Aussie middleweight is ready.
This Saturday’s UFC event was a title eliminator between Robert Whittaker and Chechen ‘Borz’ Khamzat Chimaev. However, the latter fell ill and had to pull out. The 33-year-old Aussie refused to dull down and was open to any replacement opportunities. More to it, he now has some ferocious gameplan ahead of UFC Saudi Arabia as he targets a title shot next.
The fear of performing well is massive, it doesn’t change, and it doesn’t get easier…[But] I’ll deal with it how I always do and come Saturday; I’m going hunting… No pressure, no diamonds.
Robert Whittaker during UFC on ABC 6 Pre-Fight Media Day interviews
Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov understand the levels at which the surging Russian will have to perform for this bountiful opportunity. Speaking to the UFC News crew and media scrum, the fan-favorite former middleweight titleholder nudged to lean into all his past experiences when facing a new guy like Aliskerov. Consequently, Whittaker will need that “head-hunting” against the rival.
The Team PMA Super Martial Arts Centre is prone to fiery scraps. His high-paced striking bout at the UFC 298 co-main PPV event was a handsome spectacle. However, Whittaker’s last knockout win was over Ronaldo Souza in 2017. His seven wins since that fight have all come on the judges’ scorecards. Going the distance against the Russian/European Combat Sambo Champion isn’t something preferable. As such, Whittaker plans to tread carefully.
‘Tactful’ Robert Whittaker plans to push gameplan at UFC on ABC 6
This upcoming Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6 card in Saudi Arabia features a pivotal middleweight fight in the feature headliner. Robert Whittaker (25-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) meets fast-streaking Russian Ikram Aliskerov in the main event of the night.
Robert Whittaker pledges leveling above Ikram Aliskerov at UFC on ABC 6 (Source: agfight.com/X)Fight skills and stats do not get more bloated than ‘The Reaper.’ He is a Hapkido, karate black belt, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt holder. Whittaker can credit his superior distance management and rapid blitzes to being a National Wrestling Championships gold medalist. His scraps against Paulo Costa and Yoel Romero proved how good he is in spatial management due to his kickboxing.
However, Aliskerov’s competent takedown chains as a transitional grappler are similar to the Aussie’s performance. Facing another explosive blitz striker is one thing; facing an all-around fighter of similar mettle is another. Whittaker has some thoughts about that.
I’ve got to lean into my experience and I’m definitely pushing my own gameplan. Especially now, skillset wise I understand the threat and the danger that he poses to me…But I believe I’m better across the board and there’s a reason I’m ranked #3 and a previous middleweight champion – and he’s going to find out…
Robert Whittaker during UFC on ABC 6 Pre-Fight Media Day interviews
Even past opponents like Israel Adesanya recognize how dangerous he can be when he aspires to go hunting. Whittaker plans to push his game to the limit despite no guarantee of a title shot. There’s no jabbing-not-jobbing with naturally heavy hands. There’s no impromptu takedown threat. Contrarily, there’s just the reaper and his reaping. Come this Saturday, he promises to show levels to the opponent.
