UFC Saudi Arabia outcomes: Matches to make for ‘Whittaker vs. Aliskerov’ principal card winners

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 through 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).

Greatest Winner: Robert Whittaker
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Sean Strickland

After securing his second straight win, the one combat that is smart for “The Reaper” is a title eliminator combat in opposition to Strickland. Certain, 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 in opposition to Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 on Aug. 17, 2024, in Perth, Australia, which might be an ideal spot to ebook Whittaker vs. Strickland in a five-round, co-main occasion.

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Winner: Alexander Volkov
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Ciryl Gane rematch

After pulling off the upset win over his outdated coaching companion, issues are wanting up for Volkov, who has now gained 4 straight fights, together with three stoppages.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 must be overtaking the No. 3 spot subsequent week, which units him up for a possible scrap in opposition to 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 principal occasion. Volkov misplaced to Gane again in 2021 through unanimous choice, so he would like to get this one again and insert himself into the championship image.

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Winner: Kelvin Gastelum
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Edmen Shahbazyan

Dana White just isn’t completely happy with Gastelum after his newest weight points although he delivered a formidable efficiency in opposition to Daniel Rodriguez. Gastelum wanted a win within the worst approach 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 among the promotion’s love and respect again earlier than that occurs. That’s why a combat in opposition to Shahbazyan is smart. 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 Magomedov
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Rodolfo Vieira

Magomedov gained’t be preventing stateside anytime quickly … and it doubtless gained’t be in opposition to Bo Nickal, both. “Bullet” earned his second win contained in the Octagon after finally stopping Antonio Trocoli, who took the combat on brief discover. Blatant fence seize apart, it was a pleasant exhibiting for Shara, who improved to 13-0. Up subsequent for the Dagestani, a showdown in opposition to Rodolfo Vieira appears 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 accomplished an entire 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 approach up. Let him rack up a couple 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 underneath the UFC banner and will certainly take a look at Magomedov’s grappling expertise.

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Winner: Volkan Oezdemir
Who He Ought to Face Subsequent: Jan Blachowicz

Following his knockout win over Johnny Walker, Oezdemir referred to as for fights in opposition to both Jamahal Hill or Jan Blachowicz, two strong choices. I want a showdown in opposition to Blachowicz, who hasn’t competed in practically a yr following his loss to present division champion, Alex Pereira. Blachowicz hasn’t had his hand raised in victory since Could 2022, so he wants one unhealthy. Stopping “No Time’s” momentum could be an ideal confidence booster.

For full UFC Saudi Arabia outcomes, protection and highlights, click on HERE.