Robert Whittaker had a troublesome job on paper going through harmful short-notice substitute Ikram Aliskerov, however “The Reaper” made it look very simple.
Whittaker battled Aliskerov in the principle occasion of Saturday’s UFC Saudi Arabia card in Riyadh, and wanted lower than two minutes to dispatch of the surging prospect. Whittaker was touchdown at will, and after touchdown a tough mixture that badly damage Aliskerov, Whittaker went for the kill and ultimately bought it with a brutal uppercut that despatched Aliskerov crashing to the canvas.
The official time of the stoppage was 1:49 of the opening stanza.
Whittaker finds himself on his first win streak contained in the octagon since a three-fight victory run between July 2020 and April 2021. The previous champion began off 2024 with a unanimous choice win over Paulo Costa at UFC 298 in February.
Following Saturday’s win, Whittaker mentioned he’s good to go to be the backup fighter for the UFC 305 fundamental occasion between champion Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya on Aug. 17.
A slew of UFC fighters reacted to Whittaker’s victory, which you’ll be able to see under.