After losing to former champion Robert Whittaker in the opening round, Ikram Aliskerov had a difficult evening. It was the first main card match featuring a Saudi Arabian fighter in UFC history. Khamzat Chimaev pulled out of the fight citing “violent illness,” so Aliskerov gave him a week’s notice. Bookies saw Aliskerov as a bit of a struggler despite his inconsistent results and meagre record of two UFC fights.
However, Aliskerov was unable to match the talent level of fan favorite and seasoned player Whittaker. Although it was clear that the Dagestan fighter was invincible, he nevertheless received a lot of support for his squad, including a touching letter from light heavyweight champion Islam Makhachev.
A Heartfelt Message from Islam Makhachev
After the tough loss, Islam Makhachev took to Instagram to uplift fellow Dagestan. “Your best days are still ahead of you, defeat is no reason to be sad. We know what you can do,” Makhachev wrote, offering words of encouragement to Aliskerov.
Aliskerov comes from a family of fighters under Khabib-Nurmagomedov’s father, Abdulmanap. The ‘eagle’ himself spoke highly of Aliskerov, describing him as a “star of the future” and praising his work ethic. This camaraderie and support reflects the strong bond within Team Khabib, giving Aliskerov a solid foundation to bounce back from this setback.
Aliskerov had every problem in the war. He took this fight short, giving him just a week to prepare and co-operate with one of the top midfielders in the world. Besides, he had to go to Saudi Arabia and make a quick transition, all while preserving his fight after the recent one just a week ago.
The first-round knockout indicated that Aliskerov may not yet be ready to face the top fighters in the UFC’s competitive 185-pound division This loss is crucial as a win or close match could catapult him up the middleweight rankings and title contention.
Other Victories at UFC Saudi Arabia
The UFC’s inaugural Saudi Arabia card featured several notable matchups. In the co-main event, Alexander Volkov faced knockout artist and long-time sparring partner Sergei Pavlovich. Aware of Pavlovich’s powerful strikes, Volkov displayed excellent range management and earned a unanimous decision victory after three rounds.
One-eyed middleweight sensation Sharaputdin Magomedov continued his winning streak, with a knockout win over Antonio Troccoli. Meanwhile, former title contender Calvin Gastelum returned to form, earning a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Rodriguez, breaking a troubling skid in his recent performance. In the opening bout of the main card, #9 ranked Volkan Oezdemir defeated #7 Johnny Walker. This win could put Oezdemir closer to a title shot in the lightweight division.
Looking Ahead
Despite the obstacles, Ikram Aliskerov has support and encouragement from his team and fellow fighters. His journey in the UFC is far from over, with dedication and consistent training he has the potential to reach the top and make a big impact in the middleweight division and feel the camaraderie and support of his teammates, especially the individuals of it need for Islam Makhachev farther to his inner journey.
