Robert Whittaker Prepares for a Tough Test Against Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi Arabia

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is gearing up for a challenging bout against Ikram Aliskerov in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia this Saturday. Originally set to face the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev, Whittaker’s opponent changed last minute due to Chimaev’s illness. This unforeseen switch moved Aliskerov from the co-main event of UFC Vegas 93 to a high-stakes fight against Whittaker.

Whittaker approaches this fight with the same intensity and preparation as he would for any opponent, viewing Aliskerov as a formidable challenge. “My biggest concern was making sure that the fight happened, was going through with the fight,” Whittaker remarked during UFC Saudi Arabia media day. “My biggest concern now is beating Ikram.”

Despite the last-minute change, Whittaker acknowledges the dangers Aliskerov presents. “He’s very much a dangerous opponent,” he said. “You can look at it on paper that he might be more dangerous [than Chimaev] because of how well-rounded he is, but honestly, every fight brings a level of threat and a level of danger that has to be addressed.”

The history between Chimaev and Aliskerov adds another layer of intrigue. In 2019, before Chimaev’s rise in the UFC, he fought Aliskerov in Brave Combat Federation, securing a knockout victory. Since then, Chimaev’s career has been marked by rapid success and frequent health setbacks, preventing him from securing a title shot. Whittaker, however, is undeterred by missing the chance to face Chimaev, focusing instead on the task at hand.

“I’m not really worried about it too much, who I’m fighting, I’m going to be honest,” Whittaker stated. “I’m here to fight. I was fit, I was ready, and this is how I provide for my family. Everyone knew I wanted to fight. I’m here, so I’m going to fight.” 

Whittaker’s readiness and confidence stem from his rigorous training camp. “By this stage in the camp, all the work’s been done,” he explained. “I’m fit, I’m strong, I’m sharp, and all the skills that I worked for Chimaev, no skill is wasted, no skill is useless. A lot of it can be used in this fight, so all the work’s been done. I’m ready.”

A victory over Chimaev would have likely positioned Whittaker at the forefront of middleweight contenders, putting him in line for a title shot against the winner of the upcoming UFC 305 headliner between champion Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. Both fighters have previously defeated Whittaker, yet he remains focused on his immediate challenge, knowing that each win brings new opportunities.

“The only sure thing in the UFC is that winning opens doors,” Whittaker noted. “My focus is solely on this Saturday night, getting my hand raised, and I’ll worry about the rest afterwards.”

As Whittaker prepares to face Aliskerov, his pragmatic approach underscores his dedication to the sport and his unwavering commitment to reclaiming his position at the top of the middleweight division. “If [Chimaev is] around at the top of the game and I’m around at the top of the game, our paths will cross,” Whittaker concluded. “I don’t have any particular opponents that I look to fight. It’s just they give me a name and I say yes and then we’re here.”