AfriqueCAN:
UFC Fight Night at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh delivered a night of exhilarating mixed martial arts action, with a series of thrilling bouts and unforgettable performances.
The main event was a highly anticipated bout between top-ranked middleweight contenders Robert Whittaker (The Reaper) and Ikram Aliskerov. The contest lived up to its hype in a display of skill and determination from both fighters.
The Reaper started the fight using precision striking to keep Aliskerov at a distance. However, Aliskerov demonstrated exceptional resilience and adaptability, countering with powerful takedowns and effective ground control. The bout produced intense exchanges and strategic maneuvers, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. Ultimately, Whittaker secured a victory by knockout at one minute 49 seconds of the first round to confirm his status as a leading contender in the division.
“I’m the most dangerous middleweight on the planet. Everyone knows that,” he said after the victory.
Whittaker was originally scheduled to fight Khamzat Chimaev, who withdrew at the last minute because of illness. The late change in opponent did not affect Whittaker’s performance. He stayed focused and adapted through “determination and a great team. They kept me switched on, they kept me focused, they understood how dangerous Ikram was if I didn’t take it with the respect he deserved. I told myself that because of them and I just stayed focused like a dog on a bone,” he told Arab News.
The co-main event featured a heavyweight clash between Alexander Volkov and Sergei Pavlovich, both known for their relentless pace and technical prowess. Pavlovich came out aggressively, landing significant strikes early in the fight. However, Volkov showed impressive endurance and striking accuracy, gradually turning the tide.
UFC Fight Night at Kingdom Arena was not just about the fights; it was a celebration of MMA’s global reach and cultural significance. The event drew a diverse crowd, including local fans, international visitors, and celebrities from the sports and entertainment worlds. The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, with fans savoring each moment of the action-packed night.
In a dramatic third round, Volkov landed a decisive head kick, followed by a series of punches that led to his victory.
The undercard featured several emerging talents who seized the opportunity to shine. Felipe Lima, a promising featherweight prospect, delivered a standout performance with a third-round submission victory (rear-naked choke) over Muhammad Naimov. Lima’s seamless transition from striking to grappling highlighted his potential as a future star in the division.
In the bantamweight bout, Muin Gafurov impressed with precision striking and great footwork, earning a unanimous decision win against Kang Kyung-ho.
The fight night poduced two other knockouts: Shara Magomedov defeated Antonio Trocoli at 2:27 in round three, and Volkan Oezdemir knocked out Johnny Walker at 2:28 in the first round.
The success of UFC Fight Night in Riyadh confirms the growing interest in MMA in the region and sets the stage for future events. UFC President Dana White was delighted with the evening’s success and discussed more events to come in the Middle East. “The energy and passion of the fans here in Riyadh have been incredible. We’re thrilled with tonight’s success and look forward to bringing more world-class UFC events to this part of the world,” White said.
“We sold over 12,000 seats. It’s been good, it was fun coming to this market. I love how passionate Turki Al-Sheikh is about the sport.”
“In this region now, you see a lot of talents coming from here (Saudi Arabia and the Middle East).”