UFC Saudi Arabia witnessed Robert Whittaker's emphatic statement, securing a first-round KO victory over Ikram Aliskerov.

 

Robert Whittaker remains a prominent figure among the UFC's middleweight contenders. At the recent UFC event in Saudi Arabia, the former champion delivered a decisive first-round KO against replacement opponent Ikram Aliskerov, elevating his record to 26-7. This victory halted Aliskerov's impressive seven-fight win streak. Whittaker stunned Aliskerov with a powerful right hand early in the fight, paving the way for a follow-up uppercut that sent the Russian fighter to the canvas.

Aliskerov stepped into the fight as a replacement for fellow rising star Khamzat Chimaev, who withdrew from the main event due to illness, adding to a series of notable withdrawals from UFC main events.

Despite the circumstances, Whittaker's victory remains impressive. Unlike many former champions who struggle after losing their title, the Australian has maintained his elite status. Since 2014, his only losses have come against current UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and former champ Israel Adesanya, along with three wins over top-10 opponents.

With the middleweight division experiencing some changes, Whittaker now has several options. While he continues to pursue a title shot and a rematch with du Plessis, a potential matchup against Sean Strickland, another former champion, could also be enticing. In any scenario, Whittaker poses a formidable challenge for any emerging talent the UFC wishes to test against him.

                                                    Robert Whittaker

Here's a rewritten version of the staple information provided:

**Record:** 25-7 in MMA, 16-5 in UFC  

**Height:** 6’0″  

**Age:** 33  

**Weight:** 185 lbs.  

**Reach:** 73.5″  

**Last Fight:** Decision win over Paulo Costa (February 17, 2024)  

**Camp:** Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Smeaton Grange (Australia)  

**Stance/Striking Style:** Orthodox/Kickboxing  

**Risk Management:** Good  

**Supplemental Info:**

- Former UFC Middleweight Champion

- Black Belts in Hapkido, Karate, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

- Gold Medalist at the Australian National Wrestling Championships

- 10 knockout victories, 5 submission wins

- 6 first-round finishes, known for KO power

- Maintains consistent pace and pressure

- Demonstrates excellent footwork and distance management

- Utilizes quick blitzes and deceptive tempo changes

- Effective with accurate jabs and hooks, whether advancing or countering

- Strong wrestling skills, both defensively and offensively

- Overall grappling has shown significant improvement

                  Ikram Aliskerov, UFC 294

Here's a rewritten version of the staple information provided:

**Record:** 15-1 in MMA, 2-0 in UFC  

**Height:** 6’0″  

**Age:** 31  

**Weight:** 185 lbs.  

**Reach:** 76″  

**Last Fight:** TKO win over Warlley Alves (October 21, 2023)  

**Camp:** KHK MMA Team (Russia)  

**Stance/Striking Style:** Orthodox/Kickboxing  

**Risk Management:** Good  

**Supplemental Info:**

- Combat Sambo World Champion

- Multiple European and World Sambo Titles

- Successful Amateur MMA Background

- 6 knockout victories, 5 submission wins

- 7 first-round finishes, known for KO power

- Noted for naturally heavy hands

- Accurate jab and strong sense of range

- Effective inside the clinch, skilled with takedown chains

- Excellent wrestling ability, proficient in both defense and offense

- Skilled transitional grappler, particularly dangerous with kimuras