Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker prepares for his short-notice main event assignment against Ikram Aliskerov. One fellow UFC fighter is sounding a warning for Whittaker. Renato Moicano can see a massive upset happening to the Australian fighter in Saudi Arabia.
Moicano recently uploaded a video on his YouTube channel. He talked about the upcoming UFC Saudi Arabia card. Moicano had nothing but great reviews for the new replacement for Khamzat Chimaev, Ikram Aliskerov. As such, he expects the underdog to upset Whittaker on short notice.
This guy [Ikram Aliskerov] is a beast. Excellent grappler, excellent Jiu jitsu, very complete, very tough…This guy can take Robert Whittaker down… In my opinion, i have Ikram Aliskerov winning the fight.
Renato Moicano via his Official YouTube channel
This is high praise indeed from a seasoned ground game expert like Renato Moicano. He clearly saw a substantial threat in Aliskerov’s seemingly well-rounded attack. The 31-year-old Dagestani fighter does boast an impressive 15-1 professional record. But he’s still largely an unknown entity among the elite-level competition. This fight can change all that.
Robert Whittaker is one of the most well-known fighters in the division. He has shared the Octagon with greats like Israel Adesanya and current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. He is known for his excellent striking and his ‘blitzes.’ It, however, remains to be seen if ‘The Reaper’ could handle the wrestling and striking mashup from the Dagestani fighter.
Robert Whittaker is going ‘headhunting’ at UFC Saudi Arabia
This weekend, the UFC octagon in Saudi Arabia will become a battlefield. Two middleweight fighters, Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov, are set to collide. Originally, Whittaker was preparing to face Khamzat Chimaev. But a last-minute switch due to Chimaev’s health issues has pitted Whittaker against the fearsome Aliskerov instead.
Robert Whittaker to go ‘Headhunting’ at UFC Saudi Arabia (via MMA Fighting)Whittaker, the former undisputed UFC middleweight champion, isn’t fazed at all. The Australian fighter has been around the block. He has seen his fair share of opponent changes. As such, Whittaker believes that he would win against Aliskerov dominantly.
Ikram has a very dangerous skillset. In some regards, this fight is more dangerous [than Khamzat]. But I’m used to this. It is what it is…I’m going headhunting. I’m the predator in this fight, and I’m looking forward to sealing the deal.
Robert Whittaker via Sports Illustrated
Robert Whittaker: “I’m going headhunting I’m the predator in this fight, and I’m looking forward to sealing the deal.”https://t.co/hBjhnPJ313
— Justin Barrasso (@JustinBarrasso) June 18, 2024
Whittaker’s confidence stems from his extensive experience in the octagon. Aliskerov has lost just once in his career. The loss to none other than Chimaev himself. For Whittaker, victory means potential redemption against old foes. He’s 0-2 against former champ Israel Adesanya. He would want to avenge his defeat in a potential trilogy.
