Event and Fighters Overview
With just a few days left until UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the mixed martial arts community was struck with disheartening news as Khamzat Chimaev announced his withdrawal from the event. However, the show must go on, and the spotlight now shifts to the new main event featuring Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov.
Despite Chimaev's absence, the undercard promises a thrilling evening packed with talent and fierce competition. The UFC's 2024 matchmaking model organizes events into three tiers: pay-per-views, traveling Fight Nights, and Fight Nights at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. This Riyadh card stands out significantly, especially when compared to last week's less eventful show headlined by Alex Perez vs. Tatsuro Taira.
Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov
In the absence of Chimaev, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker steps up as the headliner. Facing him is the formidable Ikram Aliskerov, in what promises to be an electrifying encounter. Both fighters are known for their striking prowess and tactical acumen, making this a must-watch for any serious MMA fan.
Notable Undercard Fights
Several fighters ranked by the UFC 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 Riyadh event showcases dynamic and fan-favorite fighters, including the charismatic Jonny Walker.
Let's look at three fights worth watching outside of Saturday's main event.
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov
This heavyweight clash has significant title implications. Sergei Pavlovich, known for his unparalleled power, is looking to reclaim his trajectory after a recent loss to Tom Aspinall for the interim UFC heavyweight title in November. Pavlovich had previously been on a tear, achieving a six-fight, first-round knockout streak.
Opposing him is former Bellator heavyweight champion Alexander Volkov. Volkov, who experienced a career-defining moment in 2018 when he lost to Derrick Lewis via a legendary knockout, 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
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, which was a departure from his typical knockout victories. In that fight, Magomedov showcased his dominance by sweeping the nine-fight UFC veteran and nearly doubling him in total strikes.
This weekend, Magomedov faces Joilton Lutterbach, a seasoned 47-fight veteran on a four-fight winning streak. Lutterbach, an alum of the Professional Fighters League, once 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, especially if he can 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, overcoming years of unfulfilled potential. Consecutive victories over Anthony Smith, Paul Craig, and Ion Cutelaba had set him up for grand opportunities before a knockout loss to Magomed Ankalev served as a stumbling block.
Walker faces Volkan Oezdemir, another knockout artist from the UFC roster. With 16 KOs in his 21 wins, Walker is keen to maintain his reputation as an electrifying fighter. Given the recent drought of knockouts in UFC events, this fight has the potential to reignite that spark.
Honorable Mentions
Other exciting bouts include Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez, and Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Brendson Ribeiro. Each of these fights adds depth to an already remarkable card, ensuring that UFC Fight Night in Riyadh will be an event to remember.
As fans worldwide tune in, they'll witness an array of talented fighters competing at the highest level, making up for the initial disappointment of Chimaev's withdrawal with a series of highly anticipated matchups.