Event and Fighters Overview
With just a few days left until UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the event witnessed a significant shakeup: Khamzat Chimaev announced his withdrawal. However, the relentless spirit of the UFC ensures that the show must go on, and the spotlight now shifts to the new main event featuring Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov.
Despite the absence of Chimaev, the undercard promises a thrilling evening packed with talent and fierce competition. The UFC's 2024 matchmaking model organizes events into three tiers: pay-per-views, traveling Fight Nights, and Fight Nights at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This Riyadh card notably stands out, especially compared to last week's less eventful show headlined by Alex Perez and Tatsuro Taira.
Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov
In the headlining bout, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker steps up to face the formidable Ikram Aliskerov. This matchup promises to be an electrifying encounter, as both fighters are known for their striking prowess and tactical acumen. For any serious MMA fan, this fight is a must-watch.
Notable Undercard Fights
Several ranked fighters by the UFC make their presence felt on this stacked card. Among the notable names set to compete are former title challengers Sergei Pavlovich, Kelvin Gastelum, and Volkan Oezdemir. Additionally, the Riyadh event showcases dynamic and fan-favorite fighters, including the charismatic Johnny Walker.
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov
In a heavyweight clash with significant title implications, Sergei Pavlovich looks to reclaim his trajectory after a recent loss to Tom Aspinall for the interim UFC heavyweight title in November. Pavlovich had previously been on a tear, achieving a six-fight, first-round knockout streak. Opposing him is former Bellator heavyweight champion Alexander Volkov, who is on a mission to tie his UFC-best winning streak. Volkov's recent performances have shown a resurgence, with stoppage wins in his last three fights. The winner of this bout could be just one more victory away from a heavyweight title shot, making it a high-stakes encounter.
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Joilton Lutterbach
Eyes are on Sharabutdin Magomedov, affectionately known by UFC fans as "Shara Bullet." Magomedov made his debut at UFC 294 with a decision win over Bruno Silva, showcasing his dominance by sweeping the nine-fight UFC veteran and nearly doubling him in total strikes. Magomedov faces Joilton Lutterbach, a seasoned 47-fight veteran on a four-fight winning streak. Although Lutterbach competed against the current UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and came up short, this fight is an opportunity for Magomedov to further build his fast-growing reputation and add to his impressive 83% knockout rate.
Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir
Whenever Johnny Walker is on the card, excitement is guaranteed. Walker has shown significant development over the past two years. Consecutive victories over Anthony Smith, Paul Craig, and Ion Cutelaba had set him up for grand opportunities. A knockout loss to Magomed Ankalev served as a stumbling block, but Walker aims to bounce back as he faces Volkan Oezdemir, another knockout artist from the UFC roster. With 16 KOs in his 21 wins, Walker is keen to maintain his reputation as an electrifying fighter. This fight has the potential to reignite that spark.
Honorable Mentions
Other exciting bouts include Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez and Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Brendson Ribeiro. Each of these fights adds depth to an already remarkable card.
UFC Fight Night in Riyadh will undoubtedly be an event to remember. Fans worldwide will witness an array of talented fighters competing at the highest level. Despite the initial disappointment of Chimaev's withdrawal, the series of highly anticipated matchups ensures an enthralling evening of MMA action.
"Shara Bullet"