Robert Whittaker ready for Israel Adesanya or Dricus du Plessis after stopping Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi Arabia

Fans in Saudi Arabia had expected to see Robert Whittaker take on Khamzat Chimaev at the country's maiden UFC Fight Night, but illness meant he was replaced by Ikram Aliskerov. New Zealand's Whittaker showed all his experience and power to deliver a first-round knockout against his challenger, while Alexander Volkov beat Sergei Pavlovich in the co-main.

Robert Whittaker finished Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia on Saturday night.

The Fight Night was the first to take place in Saudi Arabia, as Riyadh Season continued to stage high-profile combat sports, having only recently hosted the Tyson Fury v Oleksandr Usyk undisputed clash, followed by the Queensberry v Matchroom 5 v 5 extravaganza.

Whittaker had been set to take on unbeaten fighter Khamzat Chimaev, but the latter pulled out due to illness. Instead, Ikram Aliskerov stepped in to allow the New Zealander to keep his headline slot.

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'Borz' had last fought at UFC 294 in October last year, claiming a majority decision victory over Kamaru Usman.

Whittaker recovered from a July 2023 defeat to Dricus du Plessis with a decision win over Paulo Costa in February this year.

For Aliskerov, he was fighting in the UFC for just the third time against a former champion and a victory would have asserted his credibility in the franchise, but he stumbled in the first round with little over a minute gone, and 'The Reaper' seized on his chance instinctively.

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Whittaker recognised he had his opponent rattled, and followed up with a series of right-handers before he connected with a brutal uppercut before landing some heavy lefts to bring a first-round victory.

Speaking after his win, Whittaker said: “I told everyone I'm the boogieman, I'm the most dangerous man in the world for the division. I'm the best in the world, I'll take a fight anywhere, any time. I'll fight anyone.

“I told everyone in the build-up to the fight I'd lean on my experience. I said I was the hunter, and that was what I did.”

Asked if he would be ready to step in to replace either fighter should one of Israel Adesanya and Du Plessis drop out of UFC 305, he answered: “I’m healthy, I’m hearty, let's go.”

Pavlovich rattled after Volkov defeat

UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia Highlights: Volkov secures unanimous decision over Pavlovich

The co-main event saw Sergei Pavlovich take on Alexander Volkov.

Pavlovich had lost out to Tom Aspinall last November at UFC 295 as they contested the interim heavyweight strap, while Volkov extended his win streak to three when he beat Tai Tuivasa in September in Sydney.

The two had shared sparring sessions in the past, and they had talked up their common history in the build-up to the fight.

Both men are known for their explosive power, but they made it through the first round intact, in an opening exchange edged by Volkov, and it was Pavlovich who was given the decision after three brutal rounds.

Tempers flared as Pavlovich shoved his opponent in the immediate aftermath of the bell, and Volkov was awarded the win.

With Jon Jones still out of action, an interim heavyweight clash with Aspinall could be on the cards.

OEZDEMIR STOPS WALKER WITH BRUTAL KNOCKOUT

Volkan Oezdemir destroyed Johnny Walker when he had him rocked, and while he briefly recovered he was caught with a heavy right-hander before following up with another powerful blow before the referee stepped in.

'Knockout power' - Oezdemir stops Walker with brutal right hand KO

Shara Magomedov faced Antonio Trocoli as he looked to remain unbeaten, but the favourite looked in trouble briefly in round two as he grabbed onto the ring to prevent the Brazilian from pulling off a takedown.

UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia Highlights: Magomedov stops Trocoli to remain unbeaten

He was given a pass by the referee and then in round three the kicks started to tell as Magomedov moved from leg kicks to start striking the head, and he followed up with a flurry of punches to bring a knockout and his second UFC victory.

Kelvin Gastelum battled hard against Daniel Rodriguez before the two mains, and by showing the initiative he earned a decision win after missing weight in the run-up.

UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia Highlights: Gastelum beats Rodriguez by unanimous decision

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