UFC Saudi Arabia Results: Robert Whittaker knocks out Ikram Aliskerov in first round

LockerRoom Team

23 Jun 2024

On Sunday, June 23, UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov took place at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and was broadcast live across Asia.

Former middleweight champion and current #3 contender, Robert Whittaker, decisively halted Ikram Aliskerov’s seven-fight winning streak with a first-round knockout. Whittaker’s victory was a masterclass in striking, beginning with a combination, followed by a head kick, and concluding with a precise uppercut that prompted the referee to stop the fight. Reflecting on his win, Whittaker stated:

"I put a lot of effort into preparing for this fight. Achieving such a result means everything to me. I always aim to finish my opponents, and finally accomplishing that is very satisfying. I hope this proves my capability and that people will acknowledge the quality of my competition. My goal in martial arts is to reach my full potential and be recognized as the best middleweight."

In the co-main event, a crucial heavyweight clash saw #5 Alexander Volkov deliver a commendable performance against #3 Sergei Pavlovich. Contrary to expectations, the bout went the full distance. Volkov utilized his movement and diverse techniques to secure a unanimous decision victory over the knockout specialist, extending his winning streak to four fights. Volkov commented:

"In the first round, I adjusted my strategy because I knew his power could end the fight with one punch. I effectively used my reach and controlled the fight. My conditioning allowed me to start each round strong, which seemed to frustrate my opponent. Celebrating isn't my focus; I need to stay disciplined, return to training, and aim for the title."

The evening opened with the final bout of ROAD TO UFC Season 2, featuring bantamweight contenders Xiao Long of China and ChangHo Lee of South Korea. Both fighters demonstrated their full striking arsenals in a relentless first round. Xiao Long gained an edge in the second round with superior punches, countering Lee’s wrestling attempts with powerful knees in the clinch. Despite Lee’s successful back take in the final round, Xiao Long managed a reversal, and they concluded the bout with intense clinch striking. The judges awarded a split decision victory to South Korea's Lee, earning him a coveted UFC contract. Lee remarked:

"Xiao Long exceeded my expectations, but I will improve for future fights. His clinch was strong, so I relied on my knees. My stamina was a critical factor in this match."

UFC Saudi Arabia Results

AWARDS

• Performance Of The Night: Robert Whittaker
• Performance Of The Night: Volkan Oezdemir
• Performance Of The Night: Shara Magomedov
• Performance Of The Night: Felipe Lima

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Robert Whittaker defeats Ikram Aliskerov by KO at 1:49 of Round 1
• Alexander Volkov defeats Sergei Pavlovich by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Kelvin Gastelum defeats Daniel Rodriguez by unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
• Shara Magomedov defeats Antonio Trocoli by KO (strikes) at 2:27 of Round 3
• Volkan Oezdemir defeats Johnny Walker by KO at 2:28 of Round 1

PRELIMS

• Nasrat Haqparast (29-28, 29-28) defeats Jared Gordon by split decision (29-28)
• Felipe Lima defeats Muhammad Naimov by submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:15 of Round 3
• Rinat Fakhretdinov (29-28, 29-28) defeats Nicolas Dalby by split decision (29-28)
• Muin Gafurov defeats Kyung Ho Kang by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
• Magomed Gadzhiyasuov defeats Brendson Ribeiro by majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)

ROAD TO UFC Season 2 Bantamweight Final

• ChangHo Lee (29-28, 29-28) defeats Xiao Long by split decision (29-28)

What are your thoughts on the event? Let us know in the comments below.