This week is UFC International Fight Week, starting this Saturday with the much awaited Fight Night card in Saudi Arabia that will see Ikram Aliskerov take on the former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.
Khamazt Chimaev had originally been booked to face the Australian, but he had to withdraw due to illness. Consequently, Whittaker consented to challenge Aliskerov, another formidable fighter from Russia, for the third slot in the official middleweight rankings of the UFC.
With just three losses and an amazing record of 14 victories in his last fights, Whittaker (26-7) is putting everything on the line to reclaim his title. He has only lost twice to Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis, two other champions.
However, the 33-year-old was left with no doubts about his resolve to defeat Aliskerov, even if the title was not guaranteed in the absence of Chimaev.
He said to CBS Sports, “To be honest, none of that has ever played a role or space in my mind.” “I have always believed that success opens doors, and I have said as much since I began my career. It is still the same presently.
“Allow me to enter, delve deep, and remove Ikram’s head.” I’ll get where I want to go with that.” Aliskerov, who was brought in at the last minute, acknowledged that his lack of preparation would make it difficult to defeat Whittaker.
“There wasn’t much time to make decisions and get ready,” Aliskerov stated via a translator. “If the extremely lengthy travel, time difference, and time shift are taken into account. However, this is the game. Since we are skilled combatants, we must always be prepared.”
Between Whittaker and Aliskerov, who is the favorite to win?
Based on the preliminary fight odds, Whittaker is the overwhelming favorite to defeat Aliskerov, 31.
The previous title contender is now the -145 favorite, while Aliskerov is well valued at +125.
However, Whittaker is available at a better price with BET99 to win by decision at +265 because he has only ended one of his previous seven bouts via KO.
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