One notable development in the UFC this year was the unexpected withdrawal of Khamzat Chimaev from the UFC Fight Night program. This main event was highly anticipated, pitting Chimaev against Robert Whittaker in the middleweight division. However, major health problems forced the 30-year-old to give up the fight.
One by One for them
UFC CEO Dana White, known for his flexibility in crisis situations, quickly addressed the issue. Ikram Aliskerov, 54, saved an important game with a timely introduction. Aliskerov is now set to face the former middleweight champion in this crucial clash. We also train the team behind the Dagestani fighter before this exciting battle.
Ikram Aliskerov Teacher Empire
Ikram Aliskerov hails from Dagestan, a region known for producing some of the best fighters in the UFC. Though relatively new to the UFC, the 31-year-old is already impressed with his performances. So far, he has fought twice in the middleweight division, winning both. Before joining the UFC, Aliskerov trained under the tutelage of Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, father of Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Instructions from Khabib Nurmagomedov
Throughout his career, Aliskerov received guidance from the ‘Eagle’ himself, Khabib Nurmagomedov. The connection is evident in Aliskerov’s social media posts. He is a four-time world champion and two-time European champion in combat sambo. His love for martial arts began at a young age, training under the instructors of the Abdulmanap-Nurmagomedov Gymnastics Academy.

Aliskerov, who could only do sambo judo, sought to expand his skills. At the age of 19, he began training in mixed martial arts (MMA) under Asadullah Amiragev. Aliskerov won Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 by first place.
Facing a New Challenge
Even with these accomplishments, dealing with Robert Whittaker is a whole other story. Whittaker is known for his agility and incredible grace inside the Octagon. Elisquero will need a well thought out strategy of attack to counter Whittaker’s abilities. The Dagestan fighter seems ready to fight, but where does he train?
KHK MMA Club for Training
An committed sportsman, Ikram Aliskerov trains at the well-known KHK MMA Club in Russia. Since its founding in 2015, this gym has been well-known for having produced multiple UFC competitors. Aliskerov is one of the most notable fighters from Dagestan, known for his unyielding work ethic and rigorous lifestyle. Aliskerov keeps honing his methods and approaches under the close supervision of Eldar Eldarov, his mentor.
He has a history in boxing and displays remarkable scoring skills in the arena. His journey embodies the spirit of martial arts, showing dedication and endurance. Along with representing his club, Aliskerov’s consistent training reflects the ethos of excellence and perseverance in the mixed martial arts community.
Preparations for War
A five-round fight, which many believe Whittaker wants because of his conditioning, will be the format for Whittaker’s upcoming bout. To combat Aliskerov, Whittaker, also known as “The Reaper,” will need a quick change of tactics. In many ways, Aliskerov has the potential to upset Whittaker, though he still lacks Chimaev’s popularity and skills.
After switching to the UFC after training in the family Khabib Nurmagomedov Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov, Ikram Aliskerov meets Robert Whittaker in the Octagon His fighting heritage and Dagestani, his commitment to the sport and his skills make this fight undeserved.
