Robert Whittaker predicts Reinier de Ridder has the best chance to beat Khamzat Chimaev after UFC 319, citing de Ridder's ground game and unconventional style as potential challenges for Chimaev, who recently became the UFC middleweight champion.
Reinier de Ridder won a split decision over Robert Whittaker in UFC Abu Dhabi, feeling he deserved the win despite some judges scoring differently. He acknowledged Whittaker's toughness and expressed confidence in his future title shot prospects, aiming to improve and prove he's among the best in the middleweight division.
Robert Whittaker lost a split decision to Reinier de Ridder at UFC on ABC 9, feeling he deserved to win despite the judges' decision, marking his first consecutive losses in over 11 years and raising questions about his future in the sport.
Reinier de Ridder continued his impressive UFC run by defeating former champion Robert Whittaker via split decision at UFC on ABC 9, positioning himself for a potential title shot, with notable reactions from the MMA community.
The article provides live updates and results from UFC Abu Dhabi, highlighting the main event where Robert Whittaker faces Reinier de Ridder, along with other fight outcomes and event details.
Following his loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308, Robert Whittaker underwent dental surgery to address long-standing issues with his teeth, which were exacerbated by the fight. During the procedure, doctors discovered a large cyst in his jaw, potentially the source of recurring infections. Despite these complications, Whittaker is back in training and eyeing a return to the Octagon, possibly in June.
UFC on ABC 6 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, features former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker against short-notice replacement Ikram Aliskerov. Whittaker is favored with 10 out of 11 staff picks. Other notable fights include Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir, Shara Magomedov vs. Antonio Trocoli, Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez, and Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov.
This weekend, MMA fans will witness a packed schedule with events from PFL, UFC, and Bellator. The UFC Fight Night in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, features a main event between former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and rising star Ikram Aliskerov, who stepped in on short notice. Aliskerov has a chance to make a significant leap in the rankings with a win. Bellator's Champions Series in Dublin will see Jason Jackson defend his welterweight title. The article also discusses the impact of Saudi Arabia's growing influence in combat sports and the absence of Khamzat Chimaev from the UFC event.
All fighters successfully made weight for UFC Saudi Arabia, including Robert Whittaker and short-notice opponent Ikram Aliskerov. Kelvin Gastelum's bout was changed to middleweight due to weight cut issues.
Robert Whittaker expresses disappointment over potential middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya, acknowledging the draw of Adesanya and the champion's request for the matchup. Whittaker envisions Adesanya dominating du Plessis for five rounds but also acknowledges du Plessis' toughness and potential to disrupt Adesanya's rhythm. Meanwhile, Whittaker is focused on his own upcoming fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Saudi Arabia.
Robert Whittaker is set to face Khamzat Chimaev in a middleweight main event at UFC Saudi Arabia, viewing it as a title eliminator bout and an opportunity to reclaim the middleweight title. Despite the unexpected nature of the fight announcement, Whittaker is eager for the challenge and excited to be part of UFC's debut event in Saudi Arabia. With both fighters carrying momentum, Whittaker anticipates an honest and historic fight in Riyadh on June 22.
The UFC will hold its first event in Saudi Arabia on June 22, headlined by a middleweight bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker to determine the No. 1 contender for middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. Other fights announced for the card include Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov, Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez, Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir, and Shara Magomedov vs. Ihor Potieria.
Khamzat Chimaev is set to face Robert Whittaker in a middleweight No. 1 contender’s bout as the main event of the inaugural UFC card in Saudi Arabia on June 22, with four more fights announced for the event. This marks the beginning of a new partnership between the UFC and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, expanding the promotion’s presence in the Middle East.
Former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland opens up about his ongoing mental health struggles in an Instagram post, expressing feelings of being "mentally unwell" despite having achieved success. He describes recurring episodes of feeling like a danger to others and wanting to "burn everything down." Strickland, who has been open about his traumatic past and battle with homicidal thoughts, emphasizes the importance of seeking help and offers support to his fans while also expressing a desire to train and overcome his struggles.
Ilia Topuria knocked out Alexander Volkanovski to become the new Featherweight champion at UFC 298, and potential matchups include Topuria facing Movsar Evloev, Robert Whittaker against Khamzat Chimaev, Merab Dvalishvili against the O’Malley vs. Vera winner, Ian Machado Garry against Sean Brady, and Anthony Hernandez against Ikram Aliskerov.