Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is confident Robert Whittaker will defeat Ikram Aliskerov, who is currently a developing talent.
Khamzat Chimaev was scheduled to face Whittaker, however UFC CEO Dana White has revealed that ‘Borz’ would not be competing in the main event in Saudi Arabia.
White reiterated that Chimaev was unwell and wished for his recovery. Pictures of the 30-year-old since he withdrew from the Whittaker competition have surfaced on social media in the wake of the news.A member of Chimaev’s inner circle uploaded a picture on social media – which appeared to show ‘Borz’ in a hospital bed.
However, the show must go on as Aliskerov will now step in on short notice and go head-to-head with the Aussie superstar. The Russian middleweight contender comes into the contest off the back of a TKO victory against Warlley Alves at UFC 294 last October.
‘The Last Stylebender’ is very much familiar with Whittaker’s game and has fought the Aussie on two occasions. Adesanya emerged victorious in the first encounter, winning via knockout in 2019 to win the middleweight strap. The rematch was a little closer, but the New Zealander went 2-0 in the series – beating ‘The Reaper’ via decision.
Whittaker comes into the clash with Aliskerov off the back of a slick victory against Paulo Costa earlier this year as he got back in the win column following his defeat to the current middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, last year.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Adesanya shared his thoughts on the upcoming main event in Saudi Arabia. While Aliskerov is a tough fighter, ‘The Last Stylebender’ expects Whittaker to win this weekend.
