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UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov Preview
By Matt ten-Hoeve
June 20, 2024
For the first time, the UFC makes its way to Saudi Arabia for UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov. The first Saudi Arabia card was supposed to take place in early March, but got postponed with the belief that Saudi Arabia wasn’t happy with the level of talent that was scheduled for the card. This card is definitely stronger, but had to deal with a late substitution in the main event. Let’s take a look at the current card (which is still getting shuffled around so apologies if it’s out of date when you read this)…
Main Card (3 PM on ABC/ESPN+)
Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez
Muhammad Naimov vs. Felipe Lima
Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir
Preliminary Card (12 PM on ESPN/ESPN+)
Shara Magomedov vs. Antonio Trocoli
Nasrat Haqparast vs. Jared Gordon
Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nicolas Dalby
Kyung Ho Kang vs. Muin Gafurov
Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Brendson Ribeiro
Xiao Long vs. Chang Ho Lee
The Prelims
The Prelims are looking pretty good for this card, especially at the top of them. Let’s take a look at what I’m looking forward to…
Rinat Fakhretdinov was on a long winning streak until he went to a draw in his last fight. Technically, a draw isn’t a loss, but a win feels so much better. He’ll be taking on Nicolas Dalby, who is riding a winning streak - including a big upset against Gabriel Bonfim in his last fight. This should be fun!
Jared Gordon has had a lot of ups and downs - both in life and in MMA. He tends to put on a show, though, and will be going against Nasrat Haqparast, who has put together a nice little winning streak.
Shara Magomedov looks terrifying and is 12-0. He went the distance in his UFC debut, so we shall see if he hunts for the finish this time around.
Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir
After a No Contest and then a loss to Magomed Ankalaev, Johnny Walker is looking to get back to his winning ways. He is so long and awkward with his approach that he could pose a problem in the division if he is able to string together some wins. Volkan Oezdemir has had his struggles with getting wins flowing since 2018, but is always a threat. This should be a fun way to start the Main Card.
Muhammad Naimov vs. Felipe Lima
Naimov is riding a six win fight streak after losing two in a row (his only two losses) a few years ago. He will be facing a late replacement in Felipe Lima, who is an Oktagon champion making his debut in the UFC octagon. Lima has a chance to really make a name for himself with this fight if he plays his cards right.
Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez
Kelvin Gastelum lost his first fight back in 2015 and has struggled since - going 7-9 (1). He’s an entertaining fighter, though, who might still have a little bit left in the tank at only 32 years of age. He’ll be facing Daniel Rodriguez, who has dropped his last two. Both men need a win here and I expect both to be looking for an impressive finish to truly get back on track. Rumors are that Kelvin is having some weight issues, so I’m not sure what weight this fight will take place in or if it might be scrapped.
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov
These two huge Russians are both in the Top 5 in the Heavyweight Division and will be looking to put their name in the hat for a possible title fight. The top of the division is really in question with Jon Jones still out and Tom Aspinall fighting as the Interim Champion. It will be interesting to see what is next for the winner of this fight with all the mess at the top. Pavlovich has crazy knockout power, but will have to deal with Volkov’s length. This is a very interesting matchup!
Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov
Ikram Aliskerov is a late replacement for Khamzat Chimaev. Aliskerov was supposed to fight last week, but got called into facing the very tough Robert Whittaker. To Robert’s credit, he is willing to fight just about anyone at any time. Ranked #3, Whittaker is always an impressive win away from fighting for the title. He could get that consideration with a big win here. For Aliskerov, he gets a big chance to prove himself. Whittaker will be his toughest opponent in the UFC so far, so a win here will catapult him up the division.
My Picks
Robert Whittaker
Sergei Pavlovich
Daniel Rodriguez
Muhammad Naimov
Johnny Walker
Shara Magomedov
Nasrat Haqparast
Nicolas Dalby
Muin Gafurov
Magomed Gadzhiyasulov
Chang Ho Lee
This is looking like a fun card for the UFC’s first time in Saudi Arabia. Despite the late change to the main event, most of the fights look like bangers. It’s an early start time, too, in the United States - so it’ll be great to be able to not have to stay up late to watch the main event.
What do you think of the UFC’s first card in Saudi Arabia? Who do you have winning the main event? Let me know at matt.tenhoeve@gmail.com. I’ll be back next week to talk about all the MMA action that happens over the weekend. See you then!
