UFC Saudi Arabia Results: Bonus Winners, Highlights, and Scorecards
Whittaker Dominates Aliskerov in Saudi Arabia Main Event
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – The UFC made its highly anticipated debut in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, featuring a lineup of thrilling bouts and standout performances. The main event saw Robert Whittaker deliver a message to the UFC’s middleweight division with a dominant victory over Ikram Aliskerov.
Whittaker vs. Aliskerov: A Swift and Decisive Victory
Robert Whittaker, a former UFC Middleweight Champion, was originally scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev. However, with Chimaev pulling out due to food poisoning, Ikram Aliskerov stepped in on short notice. Whittaker wasted no time, securing a knockout victory early in the first round.
A precise straight right hand from Whittaker set the tone, followed by a devastating uppercut and two additional punches that forced referee Marc Goddard to stop the fight. Aliskerov, despite his potential, was visibly outmatched, highlighting the gulf in experience and skill between the two fighters.
The Implications for Whittaker
Whittaker’s victory solidifies his position as the No. 3 middleweight in the world. With this win, he earns one of the Performance of the Night bonuses and puts himself in prime contention for a title shot. Speculation is rife that a bout with Sean Strickland could be on the horizon, with the winner potentially facing the victor of the upcoming Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus Du Plessis fight scheduled for August 17 at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia.
Aliskerov’s Future in the UFC
Despite his loss, Aliskerov remains a promising contender in the middleweight division. His resilience and skill suggest he could be a formidable opponent for those outside the top 15. His next fight will be crucial in determining his trajectory within the UFC.
Alexander Volkov Triumphs Over Sergei Pavlovich
In a co-main event featuring two former training partners, Alexander Volkov showcased his superior striking and tactical prowess against Sergei Pavlovich. Volkov utilized his reach effectively, landing precise jabs and well-timed side kicks that cumulatively inflicted significant damage on Pavlovich.
Post-Fight Tensions
Despite the decisive victory, tensions flared post-fight as Pavlovich, visibly frustrated, shoved Volkov during an attempted gesture of respect. Volkov’s victory marks his third consecutive win, while Pavlovich, who was once a rising star in the heavyweight division, has now suffered two back-to-back losses.
UFC Saudi Arabia Bonus Winners
The UFC Saudi Arabia event was packed with memorable performances, earning several fighters the coveted Performance of the Night bonuses:
- Robert Whittaker: For his swift and decisive knockout victory over Ikram Aliskerov.
- Shara Magomedov: Earned a bonus with a third-round TKO victory over Antonio Trocoli.
- Alexander Volkov: Recognized for his tactical masterclass against Sergei Pavlovich.
- Felipe Lima: Secured a bonus with a third-round submission win over Muhammad Naimov in the prelims.
Complete UFC Saudi Arabia Results, Scorecards, and Highlights
Main Card Results
- Robert Whittaker def. Ikram Aliskerov via first-round KO
- Alexander Volkov def. Sergei Pavlovich via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Preliminary Card Highlights
- Felipe Lima def. Muhammad Naimov via third-round submission
Performance Highlights
Whittaker’s clinical performance was the highlight of the night, demonstrating his elite striking and fight IQ. Volkov’s methodical approach to dismantling Pavlovich also stood out, showcasing his ability to control the fight from a distance and accumulate damage over time.
Looking Ahead: Future Matchups and Divisional Implications
Middleweight Division
The middleweight division is poised for exciting developments. Whittaker’s callout of Sean Strickland adds an intriguing layer to the title picture, especially with Adesanya and Du Plessis set to clash soon. A Whittaker-Strickland bout could determine the next title contender, depending on the outcome of UFC 305.
Heavyweight Division
Volkov’s victory over Pavlovich positions him as a strong candidate for a potential interim title fight. With his recent streak of victories, he has demonstrated consistency and skill, making him a compelling figure in the heavyweight title contention conversation.
