UFC Saudi Arabia results: Matches to make for ‘Whittaker vs. Aliskerov’ main card winners

Final Combating Championship (UFC) made its monumental first trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this weekend (Sat., June 22, 2024) to stage the “Whittaker vs. Aliskerov”-led occasion, which noticed Robert Whittaker defeat Ikram Aliskerov by way of first spherical knockout (watch highlights). Within the co-main occasion, Alexander Volkov picked aside Sergei Pavlovich to stroll away with a unanimous choice win (recap here).

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Largest Winner: Robert Whittaker
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Sean Strickland

After securing his second straight win, the one battle that is sensible for “The Reaper” is a title eliminator battle in opposition to Strickland. Certain, Strickland mentioned he would hold out for a title shot, however he isn’t getting it. For now, champion Dricus Du Plessis will defend his belt in opposition to Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 on Aug. 17, 2024, in Perth, Australia, which might be an ideal spot to guide Whittaker vs. Strickland in a five-round, co-main occasion.

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Winner: Alexander Volkov
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Ciryl Gane rematch

After pulling off the upset win over his outdated coaching companion, issues are trying up for Volkov, who has now gained 4 straight fights, together with three stoppages. This present win streak ties “Drago’s” longest contained in the Octagon after kicking off his run with the promotion with 4 in a row again in 2016-2017. He ought to be overtaking the No. 3 spot subsequent week, which units him up for a possible scrap in opposition to Gane, the previous interim 265-pound champion. Gane is coming off a knockout win over Serghei Spivac, however that was greater than 9 months in the past. The promotion has plans to return to Paris, France, in September, which might be an ideal touchdown spot for this massive man most important occasion. Volkov misplaced to Gane again in 2021 by way of unanimous choice, so he would like to get this one again and insert himself into the championship image.

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Winner: Kelvin Gastelum
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Edmen Shahbazyan

Dana White is not happy with Gastelum after his newest weight issues regardless that he delivered a powerful efficiency in opposition to Daniel Rodriguez. Gastelum wanted a win within the worst approach as a result of he was simply 2-6 coming into the occasion. Gastelum wants to maneuver as much as Middleweight and keep there. So far as getting massive fights, he must get among the promotion’s love and respect again earlier than that occurs. That’s why a battle in opposition to Shahbazyan is sensible. It’s nonetheless a good reserving and Shabazyan is coming off a knockout win over A.J. Dobson earlier this yr.

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Winner: Shara Magomedov
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Rodolfo Vieira

Magomedov won’t be fighting stateside anytime soon … and it doubtless won’t be against Bo Nickal, both. “Bullet” earned his second win contained in the Octagon after finally stopping Antonio Trocoli, who took the battle on quick discover. Blatant fence seize apart, it was a pleasant exhibiting for Shara, who improved to 13-0. Up subsequent for the Dagestani, a showdown in opposition to Rodolfo Vieira feels like enjoyable. Pay attention, “Bullet” has the expertise, however let’s not begin making him out to be “the subsequent massive factor” simply but. It’s too quickly and, to be trustworthy, hasn’t completed an entire lot but to get a Prime 15 foe simply but. Moreover, it’s not like his win over a last-minute substitute shot his inventory approach up. Let him rack up just a few extra wins earlier than he begins getting greater and higher competitors. That mentioned, Vieira is unquestionably a step up, although he isn’t within the Prime 15 but. He’s on a two-fight win streak, 5-2 beneath the UFC banner and will certainly take a look at Magomedov’s grappling abilities.

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Winner: Volkan Oezdemir
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Jan Blachowicz

Following his knockout win over Johnny Walker, Oezdemir known as for fights in opposition to both Jamahal Hill or Jan Blachowicz, two stable choices. I favor a showdown in opposition to Blachowicz, who hasn’t competed in almost a yr following his loss to present division champion, Alex Pereira. Blachowicz hasn’t had his hand raised in victory since Might 2022, so he wants one unhealthy. Stopping “No Time’s” momentum can be an ideal confidence booster.

For full UFC Saudi Arabia outcomes, protection and highlights, click on HERE.