Final Preventing Championship (UFC) made its monumental first journey to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, this weekend (Sat., June 22, 2024) to stage the “Whittaker vs. Aliskerov”-led occasion, which noticed Robert Whittaker defeat Ikram Aliskerov by way of first spherical knockout (watch highlights). Within the co-main occasion, Alexander Volkov picked aside Sergei Pavlovich to stroll away with a unanimous choice win (recap right here).
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Greatest Winner: Robert WhittakerWho He Ought to Face Subsequent: Sean Strickland
After securing his second straight win, the one battle that is sensible for “The Reaper” is a title eliminator battle towards Strickland. Positive, Strickland stated he would maintain out for a title shot, however he isn’t getting it. For now, champion Dricus Du Plessis will defend his belt towards Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 on Aug. 17, 2024, in Perth, Australia, which might be a terrific spot to guide Whittaker vs. Strickland in a five-round, co-main occasion.
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Winner: Alexander VolkovWho He Ought to Face Subsequent: Ciryl Gane rematch
After pulling off the upset win over his previous coaching accomplice, issues are wanting up for Volkov, who has now gained 4 straight fights, together with three stoppages. This present win streak ties “Drago’s” longest contained in the Octagon after kicking off his run with the promotion with 4 in a row again in 2016-2017. He ought to be overtaking the No. 3 spot subsequent week, which units him up for a possible scrap towards Gane, the previous interim 265-pound champion. Gane is coming off a knockout win over Serghei Spivac, however that was greater than 9 months in the past. The promotion has plans to return to Paris, France, in September, which might be an ideal touchdown spot for this huge man fundamental occasion. Volkov misplaced to Gane again in 2021 by way of unanimous choice, so he would like to get this one again and insert himself into the championship image.
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Winner: Kelvin GastelumWho He Ought to Face Subsequent: Edmen Shahbazyan
Dana White will not be proud of Gastelum after his newest weight points although he delivered a powerful efficiency towards Daniel Rodriguez. Gastelum wanted a win within the worst method as a result of he was simply 2-6 coming into the occasion. Gastelum wants to maneuver as much as Middleweight and keep there. So far as getting huge fights, he must get a number of the promotion’s love and respect again earlier than that occurs. That’s why a battle towards Shahbazyan is sensible. It’s nonetheless an honest reserving and Shabazyan is coming off a knockout win over A.J. Dobson earlier this yr.
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Winner: Shara MagomedovWho He Ought to Face Subsequent: Rodolfo Vieira
Magomedov gained’t be preventing stateside anytime quickly … and it doubtless gained’t be towards Bo Nickal, both. “Bullet” earned his second win contained in the Octagon after finally stopping Antonio Trocoli, who took the battle on brief discover. Blatant fence seize apart, it was a pleasant displaying for Shara, who improved to 13-0. Up subsequent for the Dagestani, a showdown towards Rodolfo Vieira feels like enjoyable. Pay attention, “Bullet” has the expertise, however let’s not begin making him out to be “the subsequent huge factor” simply but. It’s too quickly and, to be sincere, hasn’t carried out a complete lot but to get a Prime 15 foe simply but. Moreover, it’s not like his win over a last-minute substitute shot his inventory method up. Let him rack up a number of extra wins earlier than he begins getting greater and higher competitors. That stated, Vieira is certainly a step up, although he isn’t within the Prime 15 but. He’s on a two-fight win streak, 5-2 beneath the UFC banner and will certainly check Magomedov’s grappling abilities.
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Winner: Volkan OezdemirWho He Ought to Face Subsequent: Jan Blachowicz
Following his knockout win over Johnny Walker, Oezdemir referred to as for fights towards both Jamahal Hill or Jan Blachowicz, two stable choices. I desire a showdown towards Blachowicz, who hasn’t competed in almost a yr following his loss to present division champion, Alex Pereira. Blachowicz hasn’t had his hand raised in victory since Might 2022, so he wants one dangerous. Stopping “No Time’s” momentum could be a terrific confidence booster.
For full UFC Saudi Arabia outcomes, protection and highlights, click on HERE.
