Tag: Ikram Aliskerov

Israel Adesanya expects Robert Whittaker to ‘beat the brakes’ off Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi Arabia

Israel Adesanya expects Robert Whittaker to 'beat the brakes' off Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi ArabiaIsrael Adesanya expects to see Robert Whittaker “beat the brakes” off Ikram Aliskerov. Stepping into the main event spotlight…

Israel Adesanya expects Robert Whittaker to 'beat the brakes' off Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi Arabia

Israel Adesanya expects to see Robert Whittaker “beat the brakes” off Ikram Aliskerov.

Stepping into the main event spotlight on Saturday night in Saudi Arabia, ‘The Reaper’ was expected to square off with undefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev in a bout that had title eliminator written all over it. Unfortunately, that is no longer the case after ‘Borz’ became “violently ill” a week ahead of fight night.

Khamzat Chimaev out of Robert Whittaker fight

Replacing Chimaev will be Russian standout Ikram Aliskerov who will be making his third walk to the Octagon after a couple of stellar first-round finishes against Phil Hawes and Warlley Alves.

Robert Whittaker vs. Aliskerov

If he can score a win against Whittaker in Riyadh, he’ll thrust himself from an unranked newcomer to a legitimate top-five contender.

‘The Last Stylebender’ doesn’t see that happening.

“This is a banger of a fight,” Adesanya said of Whittaker vs. Aliskerov on his YouTube channel. “Also, this guy [Aliskerov], who did he last beat? Warlley Alves. It’s a big step up in competition though against Rob. Rob is a former champion, still on the hunt, still dangerous. I’m picking Rob in this fight.

“I think Robert is going to beat the brakes off this guy from Round 2 onwards. I think Rob gets past Round 1, he starts to put it on this guy, he’s going to feel a different beast. But, who knows? We’ll see. We haven’t seen him against competition like this yet. I just know how good Rob is so, I’m going to go Rob probably [Round] 3 or 4 TKO.”

Robert Whittaker could secure a title fight with a win at UFC Saudi Arabia

Adesanya knows firsthand just how tough Robert Whittaker is, having thrown hands with the New Zealander on two separate occasions. The ‘Stylebender’ came out on top in both instances, but ‘The Reaper’ is convinced that he can get the job done given a third opportunity.

With a win over Aliskerov, Whittaker may get that chance—depending on how things play out when Adesanya returns to challenge reigning middleweight world champion Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 on August 17.

434760236 948566420606376 2183230636390916828 n

Robert Whittaker reacts to Khamzat Chimaev’s UFC Saudi Arabia withdrawal: ‘It was a little frustrating’

Robert Whittaker reacts to Khamzat Chimaev's UFC Saudi Arabia withdrawal: It was a little frustrating'Robert Whittaker is still thankful for the opportunity to headline the UFC’s highly anticipated debut in Saudi Arabia. Originally,…

Robert Whittaker reacts to Khamzat Chimaev's UFC Saudi Arabia withdrawal: It was a little frustrating'

Robert Whittaker is still thankful for the opportunity to headline the UFC’s highly anticipated debut in Saudi Arabia.

Originally, ‘The Reaper’ was set to square off with undefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev in what would have likely been a middleweight title eliminator. However, on Thursday, rumors began to swirl that ‘Borz’ was out of the bout due to an undisclosed illness.

Khamzat Chimaev

Hours later, Dana White confirmed the news, revealing that streaking standout Ikram Aliskerov would step in and square off with Whittaker in Riyadh.

“Mate, when I knew it wasn’t happening (is when I found out). There weren’t any rumors or anything,” Whittaker told BJPENN.com from Dubai. “It was just that Khamzat is out, and then what’s going on now? It was a little frustrating, I spent like three months working a very specific gameplan for a very specific opponent, obviously Chimaev doesn’t fight like a lot of people, I really tailored the fight camp to that fighting style. I’m still fit, I’m still razor sharp.”

“I flew out here and I understand I’m the main event of the card that comes with a level of responsibility, it’s how I earn my living. I wanted to fight, I wanted the show to go on, and I wanted to do my job, so hats off to Ikram for taking the fight, and to the UFC for setting it up, and I look forward to putting on a show.”

Robert Whittaker

Robert Whittaker never once considered backing out after chimaev’s exit

Even after getting the news of Chimaev’s withdrawal, Whittaker never once considered backing out of the event and was ready to fight any man willing to sign on the dotted line.

“Mate, there was no thought to not fight,” Whittaker said. “That is my job, that is what I flew across the world to do, and that is how I put bread on the table for my family. I understand I am the main event, a lot of eyes. It’s the first card in Saudi Arabia, so I want to be a part of that.”

Robert Whittaker

Coming off a first-round knockout victory over Warlley Alves at UFC 294 in October, Ikram Aliskerov will make his third walk to the Octagon on June 22 inside Kingdom Arena. As it stands, Aliskerov is far outside the middleweight top 15, but all of that could change should he score what would likely become one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.

“There weren’t a lot of names thrown around, nobody would take it, it was too short notice,” Whittaker said. “I understand the level of danger Ikram brings in. He is a guy coming in last minute, he was fighting this weekend, so he’s ready, he has nothing to lose, everything to gain, and he has a dangerous skillset.”

Ikram Aliskerov

Official – ‘Violently ill’ Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia fight, Robert Whittaker now faces Ikram Aliskerov

Violently ill Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia Robert Whittaker now fights Ikram AliskerovAmid reports regarding his participation in next weekend’s UFC Saudi Arabia main event, Khamzat Chimaev has been forced from…

Violently ill Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia Robert Whittaker now fights Ikram Aliskerov

Amid reports regarding his participation in next weekend’s UFC Saudi Arabia main event, Khamzat Chimaev has been forced from his premiere headliner against former champion, Robert Whittaker in Riyadh, with CEO, Dana White confirming a “violently ill” Chimaev has been replaced by the surging, Ikram Alisrekov. 

Earlier this evening, reports emerged detailing how unbeaten Chechen finisher, Chimaev was out of his scheduled fight with former champion, Whittaker next weekend in the promotion’s first trip to Saudi Arabia.

Khamzat Chimaev picked to land KO win over Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia he's got power

And tonight, Chimaev has been pictured in a hospital bed with fellow UFC fighter, Guram Kutateladze supporting the middleweight contender.

Robert Whittaker faces Ikram Aliskerov with Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia

Providing an update on the main event bout, UFC boss, White confirmed how Chimaev was “violently ill” and would not be fighting at UFC Saudi Arabia, with former titleholder, Whittaker instead taking on Aliskerov in a short-notice headliner in Riyadh.

Sidelined since February of this year, Whittaker most recently bounced back to winning ways in a unanimous decision win over former title challenger, Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 299 in Anaheim. 

Robert Whittakers warns Khamzat Chimaev pre-Saudi Arabia fight I've an arsenal of skills he's not ready for

As for Aliskerov, the Contender Series product is currently riding an impressive winning run – landing victories in his first Octagon outings.

In his debut in the UFC, Aliskerov took out Phil Hawes with an opening round knockout, before dispatching Warlley Alves with a first round flying knee to boot. In his sole professional defeat, Aliskerov was finished by Chimaev with an opening round KO defeat of his own.

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

UFC Saudi Arabia takes place on June 22. from Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a middleweight fight between Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov slated to take main event status. 

What are your thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev’s latest withdrawal?

Official – ‘Violently ill’ Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia fight, Robert Whittaker now faces Ikram Aliskerov

Violently ill Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia Robert Whittaker now fights Ikram AliskerovAmid reports regarding his participation in next weekend’s UFC Saudi Arabia main event, Khamzat Chimaev has been forced from…

Violently ill Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia Robert Whittaker now fights Ikram Aliskerov

Amid reports regarding his participation in next weekend’s UFC Saudi Arabia main event, Khamzat Chimaev has been forced from his premiere headliner against former champion, Robert Whittaker in Riyadh, with CEO, Dana White confirming a “violently ill” Chimaev has been replaced by the surging, Ikram Alisrekov. 

Earlier this evening, reports emerged detailing how unbeaten Chechen finisher, Chimaev was out of his scheduled fight with former champion, Whittaker next weekend in the promotion’s first trip to Saudi Arabia.

Khamzat Chimaev picked to land KO win over Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia he's got power

And tonight, Chimaev has been pictured in a hospital bed with fellow UFC fighter, Guram Kutateladze supporting the middleweight contender.

Robert Whittaker faces Ikram Aliskerov with Khamzat Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia

Providing an update on the main event bout, UFC boss, White confirmed how Chimaev was “violently ill” and would not be fighting at UFC Saudi Arabia, with former titleholder, Whittaker instead taking on Aliskerov in a short-notice headliner in Riyadh.

Sidelined since February of this year, Whittaker most recently bounced back to winning ways in a unanimous decision win over former title challenger, Paulo Costa in the co-main event of UFC 299 in Anaheim. 

Robert Whittakers warns Khamzat Chimaev pre-Saudi Arabia fight I've an arsenal of skills he's not ready for

As for Aliskerov, the Contender Series product is currently riding an impressive winning run – landing victories in his first Octagon outings.

In his debut in the UFC, Aliskerov took out Phil Hawes with an opening round knockout, before dispatching Warlley Alves with a first round flying knee to boot. In his sole professional defeat, Aliskerov was finished by Chimaev with an opening round KO defeat of his own.

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

UFC Saudi Arabia takes place on June 22. from Riyadh in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with a middleweight fight between Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov slated to take main event status. 

What are your thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev’s latest withdrawal?

Paulo Costa looks absolutely shredded ahead of UFC 291 return against Ikram Aliskerov

Paulo CostaPaulo Costa is looking fit as a fiddle weeks before his highly anticipated return to the Octagon this month. Costa, a one-time middleweight title challenger, will make his first appearance of 2023 as the promotion heads back to Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City for UFC 291. In the main event of the evening, fans […]

Paulo Costa

Paulo Costa is looking fit as a fiddle weeks before his highly anticipated return to the Octagon this month.

Costa, a one-time middleweight title challenger, will make his first appearance of 2023 as the promotion heads back to Vivint Arena in Salt Lake City for UFC 291. In the main event of the evening, fans will be treated to a rematch five years in the making as top-ranked lightweight contenders Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier run back their 2018 classic.

Fans will also get their first glimpse of former middleweight champion Alex Pereira at 205 as ‘Poatan’ is set to square off with former light heavyweight world champion Jan Blachowicz.

The main card’s featured bout will see Paulo Costa return to take on Russian standout Ikram Aliskerov. Ahead of their main card clash later this month, Costa offered up a look at his training whilst showing off his shredded physique in a video clip shared on social media.

Paulo Costa rides into the contest with a solid 14-2 record, his only losses coming against reigning UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya and fellow top contender Marvin Vettori. His last appearance came in August 2022 when he squared off with the returning Luke Rockhold at UFC 278. The bout was both entertaining and odd, but Costa ultimately escaped with a unanimous decision victory.

Since then, Paulo Costa has been going back and forth with the promotion in hopes of securing a bigger bag for himself. According to the man himself, he did exactly that, signing a new contract worth upwards of $1 million per fight.

At UFC 291, we’ll find out if the No. 7 ranked middleweight is worth the investment when he faces the unranked Ikram Aliskerov. With a record of 14-1, Aliskerov will be looking to land a spot in the 185-pound division’s top ten after dispatching Phil Hawes in his promotional debut at UFC 288 in May.

Paulo Costa promised to return to form in UFC 291 comeback fight: ‘We finally got him dialled in’

Paulo Costa touted to return to form at UFC 291 we finally got him dialled inSlated to make his return to the Octagon at UFC 291 at the end of July, former middleweight championship challenger, is now “dialed in” to the sport again – according to promotional president, Dana White, ahead of a fight with Ikram Aliskerov.  Costa, the current #5 ranked middleweight contender, is set to feature on the […]

Paulo Costa touted to return to form at UFC 291 we finally got him dialled in

Slated to make his return to the Octagon at UFC 291 at the end of July, former middleweight championship challenger, is now “dialed in” to the sport again – according to promotional president, Dana White, ahead of a fight with Ikram Aliskerov. 

Costa, the current #5 ranked middleweight contender, is set to feature on the main card of UFC 291 on July 29. at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah – taking on Dana White’s Contender Series alum, Aliskerov in a rather surprising matchup for the Belo Horizonte native.

Recently agreeing terms on a reportedly lucrative, new multi-fight deal with the organization, Brazilian contender, Paulo Costa most recently featured on the main card of UFC 278 in August of last year – snapping a run of two consecutive losses in a unanimous decision victory against former undisputed division champion, Luke Rockhold.

Paulo Costa has laughed off confirmation of his fight with Ikram Aliskerov at UFC 291

Despite scoffing and laughing at White’s confirmation of his return against Aliskerov at UFC 291 in July, Costa has been referred to as “dialled in” now amid the re-upping of his new deal by White, nevertheless. 

“I think that every fighter we deal with is different in certain ways,” Dana White told Ag Fight during a recent interview. “Some are easy, some are tougher, but that’s our job. That’s what we do. Our job is to get deals done, and we finally got him (Paulo Costa) dialled in, and it will be fun to see him fight in Utah.”

“His last fight with (Luke Rockhold) was awesome, it was an incredible war,” Dana White explained. “It’s one of those fights that if you were there live that night or watching on TV, it’s a fight you’ll never forget. So, he’s fun to watch. It’ll be good to have him back.” 

During his Octagon tenure, Paulo Costa has landed victories over the likes of the above-mentioned, Rockhold, as well as former welterweight champion, Johny Hendricks, Uriah Hall, and former middleweight title challenger, Yoel Romero.