Tag: Ikram Aliskerov

Video: Does Robert Whittaker deserve a title shot after his KO win at UFC on ABC 6?

Robert Whittaker continues to prove he’s still elite. What should be next for him? We discuss on “Spinning Back Clique.”

[autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] looks to be undergoing a renaissance in his fighting career.

The former UFC middleweight champion proved once again that he’s still a threat with his vicious knockout of [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag] in the main event of Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6. Also on that card, [autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag] defeated [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag] in a unanimous decision, and [autotag]Kelvin Gastelum[/autotag] got back in the win column, but with plenty of controversy.

Does Whittaker deserve the next title shot? What’s going on with Pavlovich?

MMA Junkie’s Danny Segura, Brian “Goze” Garcia, Dan Tom, and host “Gorgeous” George Garcia react to the key results from the UFC’s debut event in Saudi Arabia.

Watch their discussion in the video above, and don’t miss this week’s complete episode of “Spinning Back Clique” below on YouTube or in podcast form.

https://youtube.com/live/Q5u51oxRGxE

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=420030788]

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Conor McGregor’s injury, Paul vs. Perry, UFC 303 preview, more

On “Spinning Back Clique,” the panel discusses the biggest MMA results from the weekend, Jake Paul vs. Mike Perry, and more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Dan Tom and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • UFC’s debut event in Saudi Arabia was host to several important results. UFC on ABC 6 saw former middleweight champion [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] knockout [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag] in the main event, and [autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag] improve his winning streak to four in a row by picking apart [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag]. We discuss those results and others from Saturday’s event.
  • UFC wasn’t the only show this past weekend. PFL continued its 2024 season with lightweights and light heavyweights competing in their last season bout. Bellator Championship Series was also at play, as they had a show in Dublin that was headlined by a welterweight championship fight. We highlight some of the results.
  • YouTube star [autotag]Jake Paul[/autotag] is fighting a Mike on July 20th after all – but it won’t be Mike Tyson. Paul will be boxing former UFC fighter and BKFC star [autotag]Mike Perry[/autotag]. We react to the news of the matchup on the show.
  • It was a broken pinky toe that got [autotag]Conor McGregor[/autotag] out of his UFC 303 fight against [autotag]Michael Chandler[/autotag]. We discuss McGregor’s injury and comments on a timeline for his return, along the heat he’s caught from some of his fellow UFC fighters.
  • To wrap up the show, the panel previews the upcoming UFC 303 card on June 29. We discuss the championship rematch between [autotag]Alex Pereira[/autotag] and [autotag]Jiri Prochazka[/autotag], [autotag]Brian Ortega[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Diego Lopes[/autotag], and more relating to the UFC’s International Fight Week event.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=420030788]

Ikram Aliskerov pledges rebound, says no regrets for short-notice UFC on ABC 6 loss

An old adage says “no risk, no reward,” and Ikram Aliskerov rolled those dice recently.

An old adage says “no risk, no reward,” and [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag] rolled those dice recently.

He was all set for the UFC on ESPN 58 co-main event against Antonio Trocoli in Las Vegas 10 days ago when word got around that Khamzat Chimaev was out of his UFC on ABC 6 headliner against Robert Whittaker. Instead of taking the fight with Trocoli, who was a late replacement, he left Vegas for Saudi Arabia to fight Whittaker in a nationally televised main event.

It was a tall ask to begin with, but Aliskerov (15-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) ran into a buzzsaw in former middleweight champion Whittaker (26-7 MMA, 17-5 UFC) and was knocked out in the first round. It was his first loss in more than five years to, coincidentally, Chimaev.

After a pair of first-round knockout wins to open his UFC career, Aliskerov posted on social media that he’ll right the ship.

“Alhamdulilla, no excuses. I don’t regret anything,” Aliskerov posted. “It was a big experience against one of the best in the sport. I’m young, I’ll work on my mistakes, learn and get back into business soon. Thank to everyone for support messages.”

Whittaker has only three losses in the past 10 years: two to Israel Adesanya in title fights, and one to current champ Dricus Du Plessis in a title eliminator.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on abc 6.

[vertical-gallery id=2750485]

[vertical-gallery id=2750476]

UFC on ABC 6 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Ikram Aliskerov gets $4,000 in main event save

UFC on ABC 6 fighters took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay, a program that continued after the UFC’s deal with Venum.

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $186,000.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC on ABC 6 took place Saturday at Kingdom Arena. The main card airs on ABC following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

The full UFC on ABC 6 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Alexander Volkov[/autotag]: $16,000
def. [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Kelvin Gastelum[/autotag]: $21,000
def. [autotag]Daniel Rodriguez[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Shara Magomedov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Antonio Trocoli[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Volkan Oezdemir[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Johnny Walker[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Nasrat Haqparast[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Jared Gordon[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Felipe Lima[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Muhammad Naimov[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Rinat Fakhretdinov[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Nicolas Dalby[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Muin Gafurov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Kyung Ho Kang[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Magomed Gadzhiyasulov[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Brendson Ribeiro[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]ChangHo Lee[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Xiao Long[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $40,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-40 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $3,637,000
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $26,374,000

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 6.

UFC on ABC 6 play-by-play, live results

Check out live play-by-play and official results from UFC on ABC 6 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

UFC on ABC 6 took place Saturday, and MMA Junkie provided live play-by-ply and official results. UFC on ABC 6 (ABC/ESPN/ESPN+) took place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Former middleweight champion [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] (26-7 MMA, 17-5 UFC) took on short-notice replacement opponent [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag] (15-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) in the main event. [autotag]Sergei Pavlovich[/autotag] (18-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) took on former Bellator heavyweight champ [autotag]Alexander Volko[/autotag]v (38-10 MMA, 12-4 UFC) in the co-feature.

Below, you can find the play-by-play, official results and more details from UFC on ABC 6.

ChangHo Lee vs. Xiao Long

Round 1 – They start brawling right off the bat. Lee connects with two right hands. Long closes the distance and presses Lee against the cage. Nice elbow by Long on the break. Long closes the distance again on Lee. Long is cut from his left eyelid. Long gets the takedown. We’re halfway through the round. Lee gets back up, but still being presses against the cage. Good knees by Lee from the clinch. They keep reversing each other against the cage. They break free. They’re in the middle of the cage clinching and hitting each other on the body. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Long.

Round 2 – Right back in the clinch.  They break free. They’re clinching again. Long presses Lee against the cage. They keep hitting each other with body shots from the clinch, neither seems to be doing too much damage. They keep fighting for position, but with Long doing most the controlling. Very solid knees by Lee. Long controlling here. Odd fight. Lee reverses the position. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lee.

Round 3 – They’re back in the clinch. Short punches from both. A couple of good knees to the body by Lee. They clinch against the cage. A scramble breaks out and Lee takes the back. Lee looking to set up an armbar from the back. Three minutes left. Lee loses the back control and Long now takes Lee’s back. Lee escapes and presses Long against the cage. Long reverse the position. Non-stop clinching from both. Both connect with short shots. The bell rings. Very lackluster fight that can go either way.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Long. Overall 29-28, Long.

Result: ChangHo Lee def. Xiao Long via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Lee (10-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), Long (26-9 MMA, 0-0 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Thomas Fan
Judging: Vitolo Paolillo, Clemens Werner 29-28. Anders Ohlsson 28-29.

Magomed Gadzhiyasulov vs. Brendson Ribeiro

Round 1 – Gadzhiyasulov putting on the pressure on Ribeiro. Leg kicks from both. Ribeiro shoots, almost gets the takedown, but a clear fence grab from Gadzhiyasulov stops it. Herzog adjusts Gadzhiyasulov and the fight resumes. Ribeiro working for the takedown. He has Gadzhiyasulov tied up, and pulls off mat returns, but no takedowns. Robeiro controlling Gadzhiyasulov against the cage. We’re halfway through the round. Gadzhiyasulov reverses the position and now controls Riberio against the cage. Robeiro breaks free. One minute left. Good jab by Ribeiro. Leg kick from Robeiro buckles Gadzhiyasulov. Ribeiro goes for a head kick but gets taken down. Gadzhiyasulov controls, doesn’t land anything in the final second. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Ribeiro.

Round 2 – They trade leg kicks. More kicks by Ribeiro. Gadzhiyasulov’s leg is banged up. Gadzhiyasulov shoots, but gets caught in a guillotine! It looks tight! Gadzhiyasulov is struggling. And he’s out! Gadzhiyasulov working form half guard. Three minutes left. Not much damage from Gadzhiyasulov, just controlling. Good elbow by Gadzhiyasulov. Gadzhiyasulov goes for an arm-triangle, but Ribeiro gets out. Good control here by Gadzhiyasulov.  The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gadzhiyasulov.

Round 3 – Both testing each other’s range. Ribeiro shoots, but gets reversed and Gadzhiyasulov ends on top. Pure control here by Gadzhiyasulov. Ribeiro is looking to scramble, but unable to get Gadzhiyasulov off him. Gadzhiyasulov is not doing much damage here, just working hard to maintain position. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gadzhiyasulov. Overall 29-28, Gadzhiyasulov.

Result: Magomed Gadzhiyasulov def. Brendson Ribeiro via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Gadzhiyasulov (9-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Ribeiro (15-7 MMA, 0-2 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Mark Collett, David Lethaby 29-28. Vito Paolillo 28-28.

Muin Gafurov vs. Kyung Ho Kang

Round 1 – Oh, nasty calf kick by Gafurov. Again, Gafurov is targeting those legs. Oh! Gafurov drops Kang with a leg kicks. These are doing damage early. Kang shoots for a takedown, tries to transition to a throw, and ends on the bottom. Gafurov with pure control here, he has Kang pinned down. Not much damage from Gafurov, just control. Kang scrambles out and presses Gafurov against the cage. Kang jumps on Gafurov’s back. Gafurov slams him and the bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gafurov.

Round 2 – Good front kick to the body by Kang. Kang ducks under a punch from Gafurov, and takes him down. Kang controlling from half guard. Kang moves to mount. Great top control. Gafurov tries to scramble out, but gets caught in a reverse triangle. Gafurov gets out, and now he’s on top of Kang. We’re halfway through the round. Kang gets up, but is being controlled by Gafurov against the cage. Gafurov lets him free. Nice combo by Gafurov! Kang shoots and Gafurov gets him in a front choke. Gafurov now pressing Kang against the cage. He lets him free. Gafurov buckles Kang with a leg kick. Oh! They’re both brawling. Kang shoots, but fails. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gafurov.

Round 3 – Nice right hook by Gafurov, as Kang closes the distance. Kang gets a takedown. Nice grappling here by Kang. He mounts Gafurov. Short shots land for Kang. Gafurov gets back to his feet. Kang shoots and takes him down again, but they immediately scramble and Gafurov ends up pressing Kang against the cage. Just control by Gafurov, no damage. Kang takes him down. Forty-five seconds left. Gafurov scrambles out. Oh! Spinning wheel kick wobbles Kang. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gafurov. Overall 30-27, Gafurov.

Result: Muin Gafurov def. Kyung Ho Kang via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Gafurov (19-6 MMA, 1-2 UFC), Kang (19-11 MMA, 8-5 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Anders Ohlsson, Clemens Werner 30-27.

Nicolas Dalby vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov

Round 1 – Big leg kick by Fakhretdinov early. Dalby closes the distance and presses Fakhretdinov against the cage. Knees to the legs from Dalby. Fakhretdinov breaks free. Fakhretdinov pressing Dalby. Leg kick by Dalby. Fakhretdinov tries to take down Dalby, fails, but presses Dalby against the cage. Dalby reverses and presses Fakhretdinov against the cage. Good right gand by Fakhretdinov on the break. Oh! Dalby gets dropped. He’s back up, but Fakhretdinov going in for the kill. Fakhretdinov presses Dalby against the cage. Nice elbow by Fakhretdinov on the break. Oh! Knee to the head by Fakhretdinov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Fakhretdinov.

Round 2 – Big takedown early by Fakhretdinov. Dalby gets back up, but being pressed against the cage. Dalby reverses. They break free. Dalby presses Fakhretdinov against the cage. They break free. Nice combo by Dalby. Body kick by Fakhretdinov. It seems like Fakhretdinov is slowing down. Head kick partly lands for Dalby. Dalby presses Fakhretdinov against the cage. They break. Fakhretdinov shoots and gets the takedown. Fakhretdinov controlling Dalby legs by the cage, has yet to flatten him down. Dalby gets up. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Dalby.

Round 3 – Fakhretdinov closes the distance and presses Dalby against the cage. Good control by Fakhretdinov. Fakhretdinov gets the takedown, but only controlling the legs by the cage. Daly’s back hasn’t hit the canvas. Fakhretdinov just controlling here. We’re halfway through the round. Dalby gets free, but Fakhretdinov gets him back down seconds later. Dalby back up. Dalby hits the switch and gets on top of Fakhretdinov. Fakhretdinov back up and they’re striking. Fakhretdinov presses Dalby against the cage. Dalby breaks free. Oh! Dalby wobbles Fakhretdinov with a head kick. Fakhretdinov presses Dalby against the cage, but Dalby reverses. Good uppercut by Dalby. They’re brawling it out! The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Dalby. Overall 29-28, Dalby.

Result: Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Nicolas Dalby via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Fakhretdinov (23-2-1 MMA, 4-0-1 UFC), Dalby (23-5-1 MMA, 7-4-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Thomas Fan
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, David Lethaby 29-28. Anders Ohlsson 28-29,

Felipe Lima vs. Muhammad Naimov

Round 1 – Big leg kick by Lima. Lima looking very explosive. Push kick from Lima sets Naimov off balance. Oh! Flying knee by Lima. Lima presses Naimov against the cage. They break free. Leg kick by Naimov. Two hard leg kicks by Lima. Crazy speed from Lima. Naimov trying to tie up Lima, but unable to. Nice combo by Lima. Man, he’s looking good. Naimov clinches Lima, and Lima goes for a leg lock. Lima lets it go and ends on bottom. Elbows from bottom by Lima. Naimov controlling, but not doing much damage. Naimov maintains top control. Lima pushes him off, and the bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Lima.

Round 2 – Lima is crazy explosive in his striking and takedown defense. He’s giving Naimov a tough time. Lima is walking down Naimov. Leg kick by Lima. Naimov with a leg kick if his own. They briefly clinch and Naimov lands a knee to the body. The striking output has slowed down here. Naimov presses Lima against the cage. One minute left. Lima breaks free. Good combo by Lima, but a one, two lands for Naimov. Naimov is doing most of the pressing here. Leg kick by Lima. The bell rings. Very close round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Naimov.

Round 3 – Leg kicks for Naimov early in the round. Lima seems to have a sense of urgency, as he presses Naimov. Lima clinches Naimov and presses him agaisnt the cage. He gets the takedown and takes Naimov’s back He sinks in the rear-naked choke out of nowhere! It’s tight. It’s all over! What a debut by Lima.

Result: Felipe Lima def. Muhammad Naimov via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 3, 1:15
Recap: Felipe Lima shocks Muhammad Naimov with late finish on short notice
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Lima (13-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC), Naimov (11-3 MMA, 3-1 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Thomas Fan

Jared Gordon vs. Nasrat Haqparast

Round 1 – Nice combo by Gordon to start off the round. Haqparast answers back with a body shot. Gordon shoots, grabs a leg and backs Haqparast against the cage. Haqparast gets oout immediately. Two big lefts for Haqparast. Gordon pressuing Haqparast. Another left by Haqparast. Jab by Gordon. Gordon shoots and presses Haqparast against the cage. Haqparast defending well so far. Haqparast gets out. Haqparast has a cut underneath his left eye. Two minutes left. Gordon shoots and presses Haqparast against the cage. Haqparast gets out again. Good left again by Haqparast. Gordon presses Haqparast against the cage, he’s working for the takedown. Good dirty boxing now by Gordon by the cage. Oh! Nice combo by Haqparast. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Haqparast.

Round 2 – Again, Gordon with the pressure here and so far Haqparast with good counter striking. Good left by Haqparast. Gordon presses Haqparast against the cage. Crazy pace and pressure by Gordon. They break apart. Good combo by Haqparast that ends with a body shot. Jab by Gordon. One, two by Gordon. A series of right hands connect for Gordon. Haqparast is fading, he seems to be caving in with Gordon’s pressure. Gordon non-stop pressure. Clean righthand by Haqparast. They trade jabs. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gordon.

Round 3 – Very close fight here. Solid jab and combo by Haqparast. Gordon with some solid jabs, too. Gordon continues to pressure Haqparast. They broth trade jabs. They keep exchanging shots, as Gordon presses and Haqparast counters. We’re half wat through the round. Good right hand by Gordon. Jabs by Gordon. Good combo by Haqparast. Oh! Clean right by Haqparast. Gordon’s left eye is shut. They’re slugging it out. Bight right by Haqparast. Jabs by Gordon. The bell rings. Very close fight.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Haqparast. Overall 29-28, Haqparast.

Result: Nasrat Haqparast def. Jared Gordon via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Haqparast (17-5 MMA, 9-4 UFC), Gordon (20-7 MMA, 8-6 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: ESPN/ESPN+
Referee: Ritch Mitchell
Judging: Mark Collett, Sal D’Amato 29-28. Clemens Werner 28-29.

Volkan Oezdemir vs. Johnny Walker

Round 1 – Oezdemir pressuring Walker. Big leg kick by Walker. Now leg kick by Oezdemir. Huge leg kick by Walker. Oezdemir with a leg kick. Walker now with a leg kick. Walker seems content backing up and countering. Kick heavy approach by both. Another leh kick by Oezdemir. Oh! Nice combo connects clean for Oezdemir. It looks like it stunned Walker. Oh! Walker is wobbled! Oezdemir all over him. It’s over! Vicious KO by Oezdemir.

Result: Volkan Oezdemir def. Johnny Walker via KO (punches) – Round 1, 2:28
Recap: Volkan Oezdemir leaves Johnny Walker stiff after terrifying knockout
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Oezdemir (20-7 MMA, 8-6 UFC), Walker (21-9 MMA, 7-6 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog

Shara Magomedov vs. Antonio Trocoli

Round 1 – Leg kick by Magomedov. Another one. Oh! Trocoli with a right hand. He now presses Magomedov against the cage. Short punches by Trocoli. God control here by Trocoli. Nothing going on really. Referee breaks them up and resumes the fight on the feet. We’re halfway through the round. Magomedov with many leg kicks, while staying on the outside. Two more leg kicks by Magomedov. Trocoli shoots and presses Magomedov against the cage.Control here by Trocoli. Nothing going on. Just control. Short arm shots land for Trocoli. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Magomedov.

Round 2 – Again, Magomedov with a kick heavy attack. Trocoli tries to take down Magomedov and fails. More leg kicks by Magomedov. Another one. Another leg kick lands for Magomedov. Very lackluster fight. Body shot by Magomedov. Trocoli is not throwing much if anything. Big right for Magomedov. Leg kick by Magomedov. Trocoli is just chasing. Trocoli presses Magomedov against the cage. Two minutes left. Short shots land for Trocoli. Trocoli goes for a takedown, but Magomedov does a clear fence grab. No point taken, just a warning given. They break apart. Trocoli shoots and Magomedov stuffs it. Leg kick by Magomedov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Magomedov.

Round 3 – Head kick by Magomedov that partly lands. Leg kick by Magomedov. Again. More kicks by Magomedov. And now a left by Magomedov. Trocoli is just standing there. One, two lands for Magomedov. More leg kicks by Magomedov. Head kick by Magomedov, but not witha ton of power. Three minutes left. More leg kicks by Magomedov. A righthand connects clean for Magomedov. Trocoli is hurt! Magomedov all over him! Trocoli goes down and it’s over!

Result: Shara Magomedov def. Antonio Trocoli via KO (punches) – Round 3, 2:27
Recap: Shara Magomedov blitzes Antonio Trocoli for first UFC stoppage
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Magomedov (13-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Trocoli (12-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard

Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez

Round 1 – Gastelum pressing Rodriguez. Leg kicks by Gastelum. Good jab by Rodriguez. Hard leg kick by Gastelum. Another one. Good jabs by Gastelum. Jab by Gastelum and then a low kick. We’re halfway through the round. Hard hooks connect for Gastelum. Gastelum looking good so far. Oh! Brilliant combo by Rodriguez, Gastelum eats that well. Two big lefts. connect for Gastelum. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gastelum.

Round 2 – They trade leg kicks. Sound defense by Gastelum. Rodriguez having a tough time connecting clean. One, two lands for Gastelum. And a nice left lands for Rodriguez. Jab by Gastelum. Nice combo by Rodriguez. Gastelum shoots and gets the takedown. We’re halfway through the round. Rodriguez gets back up. Jabs then body shots by Gastelum. Nice combo by Rodriguez. Left lands for Gastelum. Rodriguez is bleeding from his nose. Hard leg kick and then a right hook by Gastelum. What a fight here. Hard leg kick for Gastelum. Big one, two for Rodriguez. Gastelum gets a takedown in the final second. Close round.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gastelum.

Round 3 – Leg kick by Gastelum. Another one. One, two lands by Rodriguez. The pace has slowed down a bit. Hard jab by Gastelum. Another one. Leg kick by Gastelum. Rodriguez with a good counter left. Jab by Gastelum. Gastelum closes the distance and takes down Rodriguez. We’re halfway through the round. Gastelum working from side control. Short elbows by Gastelum. Rodriguez pulls Gastelum into guard. One minute left. Gastelum now in half guard. Ground-and-pound by Gastelum. Gastelum lets Rodriguez back up. Gastelum shoots and takes down Rodriguez. Elbows by Gastelum. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Gastelum. Overall 30-27, Gastelum.

Result: Kelvin Gastelum def. Daniel Rodriguez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap: Kelvin Gastelum apologizes to Dana White after beating Daniel Rodriguez
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Gastelum (19-9 MMA, 13-9 UFC), Rodriguez (17-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee: Ritch Mitchell
Judging: Mark Collett, Clemens Werner 30-27. Ben Cartlidge 29-28.

Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov

Round 1 – Leg kick byVolkov. Volkov staying on the outside, as expected. Leg kick by Volkov. Pavlovich being reserved here. Big body kick by Volkov. Jab by Pavlovich. legkick by Volkov. Leg kick by Volkov. Three minutes left. Volkov is looking good. Jab by Volkov. Pavlovich is having a tough time with the range. Jab by Volkov, but Pavlovich answers with a right hook. Great fight management by Volkov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Volkov.

Round 2 – Leg kicks lands for Volkov. Pavlovich is bleeding a bit from his nose. Pavlovich is chasing, but not landing. Volkov is using tons of movement and landing long range shots. More leg kicks by Volkov. We’re half way through the round. Pavlovich is just chasing here. Leg kick then jab by Volkov. Big shot by Pavlovich. Leg kick by Volkov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Volkov.

Round 3 – Leg kick by Volkov. Pavlovich needs to do something different because he’s getting picked apart. Leg kick, jab by Volkov. Pavlovich is more agressive now. He throws a couple of big shots, but Volkov blocks. We’re half way through the round. Pavlovich is bleeding a lot from his nose and mouth. Starightleft connects for Volkov. Jabs by Volkov. Pavlovich is getting picked apart. Side kick by Volkov. Body shot by Pavlovich. Head kick then jab by Volkov. The bell rings.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9, Volkov. Overall 30-27, Volkov.

Result: Alexander Volkov def. Sergei Pavlovich via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap:
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Volkov (38-10 MMA, 12-4 UFC), Pavlovich (18-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee: Jason Herzog
Judging: Anders Ohlsson, Clemens Werner 30-27. Vito Paolillo 29-28.

Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov

Round 1 – Leg kicks by Whittaker. Whittaker in and out in his attacks. Oh! Whittaker wobbles Aliskerov with a right hand! Uppercut by Whittaker! It’s over! What a KO by the former champion.

Result: Robert Whittaker def. Ikram Aliskerov via KO (uppercut) – Round 1, 1:49
Recap: Robert Whittaker blasts Ikram Aliskerov for quick knockout
Photos: UFC on ABC 6: Best photos from Saudi Arabia
Records: Whittaker (26-7 MMA, 17-5 UFC), Aliskerov (15-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: ABC/ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard

UFC on ABC 6 results: Robert Whittaker blasts Ikram Aliskerov for quick knockout

The UFC Saudi Arabia main event ended in under two minutes as Robert Whittaker blasted Ikram Aliskerov into oblivion.

[autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] welcomed [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag] to his first UFC main event and then sent him packing into semi-consciousness in less than two minutes.

In the UFC on ABC 6 main event, Whittaker (26-7 MMA, 17-5 UFC) finished Aliskerov (15-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) with punches at 1:49 of Round 1. The middleweight bout took place at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A big overhand right put Aliskerov on roller skates. As Aliskerov scurried backward toward the fence, Whittaker missed on a head kick before he landed a hellacious uppercut. Two more follow up shots was all referee Marc Goddard needed to see to dive in – and he did.

After the fight, Whittaker expressed interest in serving in a backup role on Aug. 18 at UFC 305 in Perth, Western Australia. That card is headlined by the middleweight title fight between rivals Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya.

Whittaker has now won back-to-back fights since a TKO loss to Du Plessis. His only other losses in his 18 most recent fights are two against Adesanya.

Aliskerov has a 17-fight winning streak snapped. Initially expected to face Antonio Trocoli at this past Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 58, Aliskerov accepted this fight on nine days’ notice after Khamzat Chimaev withdrew.

[lawrence-related id=2750485,2750476]

Up-to-the-minute UFC on ABC 6 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 6.

Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov prediction, pick: Can ex-champ get back in hunt at UFC on ABC 6?

How will former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker handle the short-notice test Ikram Aliskerov brings to Saudi Arabia?

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC on ABC 6 main event between former middleweight champion [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] and short-notice opponent [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag].

Robert Whittaker UFC on ABC 6 preview

Robert Whittaker

Staple info:

  • Record: 25-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC
  • Height: 6’0″ Age: 33 Weight: 185 lbs. Reach: 73.5″
  • Last fight: Decision win over Paul Costa (Feb. 17, 2024)
  • Camp: Gracie Jiu-jitsu Smeaton Grange (Australia)
  • Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
  • Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:
+ Former UFC middleweight champion
+ Hapkido and karate black belt
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt
+ Australian National Wrestling Championships gold medal
+ 10 knockout victories
+ 5 submission wins
+ 6 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Consistent pace and pressure
+ Good footwork and distance management
^ Quick blitzes and deceptive tempo changes
+ Accurate jabs and hooks
^ Coming forward or off the counter
+ Excellent wrestling ability
^ Defensively and offensively
+ Improved overall grappling

Ikram Aliskerov UFC on ABC 6 preview

Ikram Aliskerov, UFC 294

Staple info:

  • Record: 15-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC
  • Height: 6’0″ Age: 31 Weight: 185 lbs. Reach: 76″
  • Last fight: TKO win over Warlley Alves (Oct. 21, 2023)
  • Camp: KHK MMA Team (Russia)
  • Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
  • Risk management: Good

Supplemental info:
+ Combat sambo world champion
+ Multiple sambo titles (European and world)
+ Amateur MMA accolades
+ 6 knockout victories
+ 5 submission wins
+ 7 first-round finishes
+ KO power
^ Naturally heavy hands
+ Accurate jab
+ Solid sense of range
+ Strong inside the clinch
^ Competent takedown chains
+ Excellent wrestling ability
^ Defensively and offensively
+ Good transitional grappler
^ Dangerous with kimuras

Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov point of interest: Jabbers, not jobbers

Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Robert Whittaker lands a jab against Paulo Costa during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The main event in Saudi Arabia features an impromptu middleweight matchup between two talented fighters who aren’t afraid to use their jab.

Coming from a traditional martial arts base, [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] has developed into one of the most unique striking stylists at 185 pounds.

Using a combination of speed, accuracy and a fluid economy of movement, the Australian will deceptively blitz off different angles. Like many karate-based strikers, Whittaker will feint or show a certain speed to draw his opponent into a false sense of security, only to disrupt the perceived timing with off-beat strikes.

https://twitter.com/DanTomMMA/status/1382169527027261440

As we’ve seen in multiple fights, Whittaker often will assert himself through rear-legged front kicks that he uses to launch himself into variations of left hooks and shifting overhand shots. The former champ also has no issue when it comes to sticking to his fundamentals, building offense off of deceptive jabs and feints.

https://twitter.com/DanTomMMA/status/1397627348489424896

That said, Whittaker is not beyond being taxed for his sometimes low-handed approach and will need to be on his best behavior opposite a competitor like [autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag].

Despite coming from an extensive sambo background, Aliskerov has steadily been improving his striking for those paying attention.

Smartly prioritizing his lead hand, Aliskerov plies a deceptively effective jab at range. The 31-year-old will occasionally play off his jab, offering up change-ups in the form of hook-cross combinations.

When feeling in Stride, Aliskerov will attach kicks or knees to his combos, working particularly well off his lead side. Although Aliskerov’s offerings off of the lead side should serve him well on paper, the Dagestani’s A-game is arguably on the ground.

Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov breakdown: Potential grappling threats

Ikram Aliskerov def. Warlley Alves, UFC 294

Considering Aliskerov’s grappling prowess, no one should be shocked if the Dagestani fighter attempts to take this party to the floor this Saturday.

A world and European champion in sambo, Aliskerov is no stranger to closed-quarter combat. Like many high-level operators out of Dagestan, Aliskerov does his best work from the clinch – a place where he can chain to and from takedown attempts.

Whether Aliserkov is working from bodylock positions or single-leg variations, the 12-year pro doesn’t seem to be short on ideas in this space. Aliskerov also keeps solid reactive takedown shots in his back pocket, which could come in handy against a blitzing “Bobby Knuckles.”

That said, Whittaker has proven to be much more difficult to ground than many presumed.

Aside from the fact that Whittaker’s footwork makes it difficult for his opponents to set up their shots, the Australian also shows the small technical intricacies that make him hard to ground or hold down when grasped.

For example, while most fighters are reliant on more traditional defenses such as sprawls or battles for under-hooks, they typically end up losing out to superior grapplers since these defensive tactics involve a commitment to contact (which in turn begets more grappling).

Whereas Whittaker, though capable of using those defenses, does not rely on them. Instead, “The Reaper” prefers to head off takedown attempts at the pass.

Already possessing a strong base and balance, Whittaker’s hip and grip awareness also have improved through the years.

Not only does Whittaker utilize grip breaks and wrist controls, but the 33-year-old is also disciplined about consistently circling out to his opponent’s weak side, which helps dissuade re-shots and takedown chain adjustments from his foes. Even Romero had difficulty grasping or chaining off his initial attempts due to Whittaker’s persistence to fight hands.

What is even more impressive is Whittaker’s ability to go from thwarting takedown attempts to striking off the breaks, something that will also likely keep Aliskerov honest in exchanges with him.

Still, if Whittaker does find himself on the bottom in this fight, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt will need to be extra careful with his propensity to look for underhook getups given Aliskerov’s knack for finding kimuras.

Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov odds

Despite the oddsmakers opening this fight at a pick’em, public money has come in the former champion, listing Whittaker -154 and Aliskerov +120 via FanDuel.

Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov prediction, pick

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 17: Robert Whittaker of New Zealand celebrates defeating Paulo Costa of Brazil in their middleweight fight during UFC 298 at Honda Center on February 17, 2024 in Anaheim, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Considering that Whittaker is a much more proven product on paper, I can completely understand the early enthusiasm for bettors backing the Australian in this spot.

That said, I stand by my initial feeling that Aliskerov is a deceptively trickier task than Whittaker’s original opponent – Khamzat Chimaev – from a stylistic perspective.

Don’t get me wrong: Chimaev offers a hell of an early storm to weather on paper, but Whittaker has traditionally done well against aggressive, grapple-heavy fighters.

Aliskerov, however, offers a much different ask given that the Dagestani fighter is more fundamentally sound than Chimaev and appears to be able to fight at a solid pace for three rounds. Moreover, Aliskerov is among the handful of decent jabber in the division, which could pay some potential dividends considering the success Costa had when jabbing in Whittaker’s last fight.

But between Aliskerov’s inexperience at this level and the fact that last week’s shakeup affects him more with the multiple weight cuts compounded with travel at hand, I can’t help but side with the speed and savvy of Whittaker.

I believe that Whittaker can have success with his kicks at distance and timing change-ups in close, potentially producing his first finish since 2017. The pick is Whittaker by knockout in Round 3.

Prediction: Whittaker inside the distance

Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov start time, where to watch

As the main event, Whittaker and Aliskerov are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 5 p.m. ET. The fight broadcasts live on ABC and streams on ESPN+.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 6.

UFC free fight: Ikram Aliskerov lands flying knee, stops Warlley Alves in violent TKO win

Watch rising UFC middleweight Ikram Aliskerov make quick work of Warlley Alves in his TKO win back in October.

[autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag] is a dangerous man.

Last October at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi, Aliskerov viciously stopped veteran Warlley Alves. The win stands as his most recent performance and arguably one of his most violent. After hurting the Brazilian with a jab, Aliskerov landed a flying knee and several punches to close the show.

You can watch Aliskerov’s first-round TKO win over Alves in the video above.

Aliskerov (15-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) returns to the octagon this Saturday in the main event of UFC on ABC 6, which takes place Saturday at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He takes on former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (25-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) on short notice.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=420030788]

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 6.

UFC on ABC 6: Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UFC on ABC 6 odds between Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov, with MMA picks and predictions.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3011″ ]

In a 5-round middleweight bout in the main event, Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov meet Saturday at UFC on ABC 6 — also known as UFC Saudi Arabia — at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UFC on ABC 6: Pavlovich vs. Volkov odds, and make our expert picks and predictions.

The prelims begin at noon ET and can be viewed on ESPN/ESPN+, while the main card starts at 3 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN+.

Records: Whittaker (26-7-0) | Aliskerov (15-1-0)

Khamzat Chimaev was expected to face Whittaker in this main event, but Chimaev was forced to pull out due to an undisclosed health issue. In steps Aliskerov on short notice to face the former middleweight champion.

Whittaker suffered a unanimous-decision loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 271 in Feb. 2022. It was a rematch of their fight in Oct. 2019, which resulted in a 2nd-round KO/TKO setback in another title bout.

Whittaker is just 2-2 in his past 4 bouts, with a KO/TKO loss to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290. He has ended up going the distance in 6 of his past 7 fights since July 25, 2020, and 8 of his past 10 bouts have needed the assistance of the judges to choose a winner.

The southpaw Aliskerov has made 2 appearances at the UFC level, winning via 1st-round KO/TKO against Phil Hawes and Warlley Alves to get on the fast track in the middleweight division. However, facing Whittaker is a huge step up in competition.

Aliskerov has a 2.5-inch reach advantage, but the former champ has tons more experience. Whittaker lands 4.57 significant strikes per minute and posts a 45.83% accuracy percentage on these strikes. He has a 38.10% takedown accuracy percentage, too, while posting a 0.81 takedown average.

Watch this card with ESPN+ by signing up here.

UFC on ABC 6: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:20 a.m. ET.

  • Fight result (2-way line): Whittaker -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Aliskerov +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
  • Over/Under: 2.5 rounds (Over -150 | Under +115)
  • Will the fight go the distance? (Yes +165 | No -225)

[gambcom-standard rankid=”3012″ ]

UFC on ABC 6: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov picks and predictions

Fight result (2-way line or moneyline)

WHITTAKER (-150) will be able tap into his experience and wisdom at the UFC level to get the job done against Aliskerov (+125). The Russian challenger is an up-and-comer who has a bright future, but facing Whittaker will easily be his biggest challenge, and he is not quite ready.

Whittaker is not a punching machine, but he is technically superior, and he does all of the little things to keep all eyes on him, wowing the judges.

While playing Whittaker on the 2-way line is not priced out of line, going with WHITTAKER BY DECISION/TECHNICAL DECISION (+250) on the 5-way line makes for a tidy little profit if he can go the distance and win.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 2.5 ROUNDS (-150) is worth a look, as it is expected the favorite will win via the distance.

If you’re a little more adventurous, want some action on the fight, and do not want to declare a winner, take YES (+165): WILL FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? at plus-money.

Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.

[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]

UFC free fight: Ikram Aliskerov flattens Phil Hawes in brutal UFC debut win

Watch Ikram Aliskerov make his UFC debut with a brutal KO of veteran Phil Hawes.

[autotag]Ikram Aliskerov[/autotag]’s UFC debut couldn’t have gone any better.

The UFC middleweight was matched up with veteran Phil Hawes in his first fight with the promotion in May 2023. Although given a tough matchup to start his UFC career, Aliskerov only needed a little over two minutes to put away Hawes in brutal fashion.

You can watch Aliskerov’s UFC debut win in the video above.

Aliskerov (15-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) returns to the octagon this Saturday in the main event of UFC on ABC 6, which takes place Saturday at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He takes on former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (25-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) on short notice.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=420030788]

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ABC 6.