Event and Fighters Overview
With just a few days left until UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, fans were hit with the unexpected news of Khamzat Chimaev's withdrawal from the event. Although Chimaev's absence is significant, the show must go on, and the spotlight now shifts to the freshly restructured main event featuring Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov.
Despite the last-minute change, the undercard promises a thrilling evening packed with talent and fierce competition. UFC's 2024 matchmaking model categorizes events into three tiers: pay-per-views, traveling Fight Nights, and Fight Nights at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The Riyadh card significantly stands out, especially when compared to last week's less eventful show headlined by Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira.
Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker steps into the headliner role, facing the formidable Ikram Aliskerov. This matchup promises to be an electrifying encounter, as both fighters are renowned for their striking prowess and tactical acumen. For serious MMA fans, this main event is a must-watch.
Notable Undercard Fights
The Riyadh event showcases several fighters ranked by the UFC who will make their presence felt on this stacked card. Former title challengers Sergei Pavlovich, Kelvin Gastelum, and Volkan Oezdemir are among the notable names set to compete. Additionally, the dynamic and fan-favorite Jonny Walker will also light up the Octagon.
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov
This heavyweight clash carries significant title implications. Sergei Pavlovich is looking to reclaim his trajectory after a recent loss to Tom Aspinall for the interim UFC heavyweight title in November. Prior to that setback, Pavlovich had 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
All 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. Lutterbach has previously competed against current UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, though he came up short in that outing. For Magomedov, Saturday's fight is an opportunity to further build his fast-growing reputation and add to his 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, with consecutive victories over Anthony Smith, Paul Craig, and Ion Cutelaba setting him up for grand opportunities. However, a knockout loss to Magomed Ankalev served as a stumbling block. Walker now faces Volkan Oezdemir, another knockout artist from the UFC roster. With 16 KOs in his 21 wins, Walker aims to maintain his reputation as an electrifying fighter. This bout has the potential to reignite that spark.
Honorable Mentions
Other exciting bouts on the card 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 is set to be an event to remember. Fans worldwide will witness a display of exceptional talent competing at the highest level. While Chimaev's withdrawal was initially disappointing, the replacement bouts and undercard fights more than make up for it, ensuring a series of highly anticipated matchups.
"Shara Bullet"