The highly anticipated UFC on ABC 6 event, set to take place on June 22, 2024, at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has undergone a significant change. Originally headlined by a middleweight title eliminator bout between former UFC Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker and undefeated star Khamzat Chimaev, the event now features Whittaker facing rising contender Ikram Aliskerov. Chimaev was forced to withdraw due to severe food poisoning that has plagued his training camp, leaving fans and fighters alike disappointed but hopeful for his swift recovery.
Ikram is a very interesting last minute replacement as his only loss in his career is against Khamzat Chimaev by brutal KO. A win against , “The Reaper” could potentially set up a rematch between him and the Chechnyan fighter (If Khamzat returns to competition).
Fighter Profiles and Statistics
Robert Whittaker
– Record – 25-7-0 (MMA), 16-5 (UFC)
– Height 6’0″ (182 cm)
– Weight: 185 lbs (84.1 kg)
– Reach: 73.5″ (187 cm)
– Stance: Orthodox
– Strikes Landed per Minute (SLpM): 4.57
– Striking Accuracy: 42%
– Strikes Absorbed per Minute (SApM): 3.45
– Takedowns Average/15 min: 0.81
– Takedown Accuracy: 38%
– Takedown Defence: 82%
– Submission Average/15 min: 0.0
Ikram Aliskerov
– Record: 15-1-0 (MMA), 2-0 (UFC)
– Height: 6’0″ (183 cm)
– Weight: 186 lbs (84.4 kg)
– Reach: 76.0″ (193 cm)
– Stance: Southpaw
– Strikes Landed per Minute (SLpm): 8.24
– Striking Accuracy: 65%
– Strikes Absorbed per Minute (SApM): 7.15
– Defence: 36%
– Takedowns Average/15 min: 2.33
– Takedown Accuracy: 33%
– Takedown Defence: 0%
– Submission Average/15 min: 2.3
Striking
Robert Whittaker is known for his versatile striking, combining karate-based blitz attacks with traditional boxing techniques. His ability to mix up his strikes and maintain a high pace makes him a formidable opponent on the feet. Whittaker’s striking accuracy stands at 42%, and he lands 4.57 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 3.45. His defensive skills are also notable, with a 59% strike defence rate.
Ikram Aliskerov, on the other hand, boasts a higher striking output with 8.24 significant strikes landed per minute and an impressive 65% striking accuracy. However, he also absorbs a high number of strikes at 7.15 per minute, indicating a more aggressive but less defensively sound approach. Aliskerov’s southpaw stance could pose unique challenges for Whittaker, who will need to adjust his angles and timing to counter Aliskerov’s left-handed attacks.
Grappling
Whittaker’s grappling is often underrated due to his striking prowess. He averages 0.81 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 38% takedown accuracy and an impressive 82% takedown defence. This defensive capability will be crucial against Aliskerov, who averages 2.33 takedowns per 15 minutes with a 33% accuracy. Aliskerov’s grappling is a significant part of his game, and his submission average of 2.3 per 15 minutes highlights his threat on the ground.
If Whittaker can stuff Aliskerov’s takedowns and keep the fight standing, he may find success with his superior striking and movement. Conversely, if Aliskerov can secure takedowns, his ground control and submission skills could tilt the fight in his favour.
Fight Dynamics
The key to this bout will likely be Whittaker’s ability to manage distance and avoid Aliskerov’s takedowns. Whittaker’s experience against high-level grapplers, such as Yoel Romero, has shown his capability to adapt and counter wrestling-heavy game plans. Utilizing his footwork and striking combinations, Whittaker will aim to keep the fight in his comfort zone, where he can out strike Aliskerov and potentially finish the fight.
Aliskerov, meanwhile, will need to close the distance and implement his grappling effectively. His aggressive striking could serve as a means to set up takedowns, but he must be cautious of Whittaker’s counter strikes. If Aliskerov can bring the fight to the ground, his submission skills could pose a significant threat to Whittaker.
Conclusion
The bout between Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov promises to be a compelling clash of styles. Whittaker’s well-rounded skill set and experience make him a slight favourite, but Aliskerov’s aggressive approach and grappling prowess ensure that he is a live underdog. With Khamzat Chimaev’s withdrawal due to illness, this fight now serves as a pivotal moment for both fighters to stake their claim in the middleweight division.
