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In a thrilling afternoon of MMA action at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker faced off against the rising contender Ikram Aliskerov in the main event. The atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly anticipated this high-stakes bout.

Whittaker vs. Aliskerov: Clash of Titans

Whittaker, fresh off a decision win over Paulo Costa, entered the octagon with confidence and experience. Aliskerov, aiming to extend his UFC record to 3-0, showcased his determination to climb the middleweight ranks. The fight was a masterclass in strategy and resilience, with both fighters delivering an intense performance.

"I knew it was going to be a tough fight, but I was ready for it," said Whittaker post-fight.

Heavyweight Battle: Pavlovich vs. Volkov

The co-main event featured a heavyweight showdown between top contenders Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov. Both fighters, known for their knockout power, didn't disappoint. The bout was a display of brute strength and tactical prowess, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Key Under Card Highlights

Other notable fights included Kelvin Gastelum taking on Daniel Rodriguez, where Gastelum's agility and striking accuracy were on full display. Shara Magomedov faced Antonio Trocoli in a bout that highlighted Magomedov's superior grappling skills. The light heavyweight clash between Johnny Walker and Volkan Oezdemir was another spectacle, with Walker's unorthodox style catching Oezdemir off guard.

"Every fight is a new challenge, and tonight was no different," said Gastelum after his victory.

Preliminary Card Action

The preliminary card set the tone for the evening with a series of exciting bouts. Nasrat Haqparast squared off against Jared Gordon, while Muhammad Naimov faced Felipe Lima. Rinat Fakhretdinov and Nicolas Dalby delivered a technical bout, showcasing their skills on the mat. The bantamweight match between Kyung Ho Kang and Muin Gafurov was another highlight, with Kang's precision striking earning him the win.

The Road Ahead

As the dust settles in Riyadh, the implications of these fights will reverberate throughout the UFC. Whittaker's victory reaffirms his status as a top contender, while Aliskerov's performance has undoubtedly earned him respect in the division. The heavyweight division remains as competitive as ever, with Pavlovich and Volkov both showing they are forces to be reckoned with.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova