UFC Middleweight Contender Bout to Headline Historic Event in Saudi Arabia

28 March 2024

In a groundbreaking move, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to hold its inaugural event in Saudi Arabia, with a riveting middleweight clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker slated as the headline bout on June 22.

The announcement was made by UFC CEO Dana White, who revealed the main event and four additional matchups scheduled for the historic UFC Saudi Arabia event during Wednesday night's proceedings. Fans in the United States can catch the action live as it unfolds on ABC.

Alongside the eagerly anticipated showdown between Chimaev and Whittaker, fight enthusiasts can anticipate an electrifying co-main event featuring Sergei Pavlovich taking on Alexander Volkov in a heavyweight collision.

Adding to the excitement, Kelvin Gastelum is set to lock horns with Daniel Rodriguez in a welterweight showdown, while Johnny Walker makes his return to the octagon against Volkan Oezdemir.

In another thrilling matchup, Sharabutdin Magomedov, also known as Shara Bullet, is set to face off against Ihor Potieria in a light heavyweight encounter.

This event heralds the beginning of a promising collaboration between the UFC and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expanding the promotion's footprint in the Middle East beyond its longstanding partnership with Abu Dhabi.

The main event promises a clash of titans as Chimaev steps into the octagon for the first time since his hard-fought victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman last October. With an impeccable record of 13 wins and no losses, including seven consecutive victories in the UFC, Chimaev is poised to face his most formidable opponent yet in former middleweight champion Whittaker, who comes off a stunning win against Paulo Costa in his recent bout.

ALSO READ | Khamzat Chimaev talks about possible fight with Conor McGregor

As anticipation builds for UFC Saudi Arabia, fight fans can expect more thrilling matchups to be announced in the weeks leading up to the event, promising an unforgettable night of action and spectacle.