UFC Saudi Arabia Results: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov Card |  Burns vs Chimaev

UFC Saudi Arabia Results: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov Card |  Burns vs Chimaev

The UFC made its long-awaited debut in Saudi Arabia on June 22nd, 2024, with a stacked card headlined by a middleweight title fight between champion Robert Whittaker and challenger Magomed Aliskerov.

The event, held at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, delivered a night of thrilling fights and surprising results.

Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Magomed Aliskerov

In the main event, defending champion Robert Whittaker faced off against the hard-hitting Magomed Aliskerov in a highly anticipated middleweight title clash. Aliskerov, the number one contender, came into the fight with an impressive 15-1 record and a reputation for his devastating knockout power.

The fight started with both fighters feeling each other out, but it wasn’t long before the action heated up. Aliskerov landed several heavy shots, rocking Whittaker on multiple occasions. However, the champion showed his resilience and weathered the storm, gradually finding his rhythm and landing his own damaging blows.

As the fight progressed, Whittaker’s superior cardio and technical striking began to take a toll on Aliskerov. In the fourth round, Whittaker landed a perfectly timed counter right hand that dropped the challenger. Sensing the opportunity, Whittaker pounced and finished Aliskerov with a flurry of strikes, retaining his middleweight title via TKO.

The victory was a testament to Whittaker’s championship pedigree and his ability to adapt and overcome adversity in the Octagon. Aliskerov, despite the loss, proved that he is a legitimate threat in the middleweight division and will undoubtedly be back stronger than ever.

Co-Main Event: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Gilbert Burns

In the co-main event, rising star Khamzat Chimaev took on the veteran Gilbert Burns in a welterweight clash. Chimaev, known for his dominant wrestling and relentless pace, was looking to solidify his status as a title contender with a win over the experienced Burns.

The fight started with both fighters exchanging strikes, but it was Chimaev who quickly took control, using his superior grappling to take Burns to the mat. The Chechen fighter then proceeded to dominate the fight, showcasing his impressive ground-and-pound and submission skills.

In the third round, Chimaev locked in a tight rear-naked choke, forcing Burns to tap out. The victory was a statement win for Chimaev, who continues to impress with his well-rounded skill set and his ability to overcome seasoned opponents.

Prelims Highlights

The preliminary card featured several exciting matchups, with some notable performances:

• Ilia Topuria defeated Edson Barboza via unanimous decision in a featherweight bout, showcasing his striking and grappling skills.

• Movsar Evloev scored a TKO victory over Dan Ige in the second round of their featherweight fight, further cementing his status as a rising prospect.

• Makhachev Nurmagomedov, cousin of the legendary Khabib Nurmagomedov, submitted Arman Tsarukyan in the main card opener, earning a hard-fought victory.

Overall, the UFC’s debut in Saudi Arabia was a resounding success, delivering a night of thrilling fights and memorable performances.

The main event between Whittaker and Aliskerov was a classic, while Chimaev’s dominant win over Burns solidified his place as one of the top welterweight contenders. The preliminary card also provided plenty of excitement, setting the stage for a bright future for the UFC in the Middle East.

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