Historic Debut in the Kingdom: UFC Returns "The Reaper" to Title Contention
The Ultimate Fighting Championship brought Whittaker vs Aliskerov to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on June 22, 2024, delivering an action-packed debut UFC Fight Night event at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. With 12,000 fans in attendance and millions watching on ABC and ESPN+, the promotion's first venture into Saudi Arabia featured explosive knockouts, controversial decisions, and a statement victory from former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker that catapulted him back into title contention.
Originally scheduled as a showcase for the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev against Whittaker, the card underwent a dramatic last-minute transformation when Chimaev withdrew due to mysterious health issues less than two weeks before fight night.
Stepping in on short notice was Ikram Aliskerov, transforming what was already a high-stakes bout into an all-risk, no-reward scenario for the former champion. Whittaker embraced the challenge anyway, delivering a spectacular first-round knockout that sent shockwaves through the middleweight division.
The event featured eleven compelling matchups across multiple weight classes, showcasing the UFC's global reach with fighters representing Russia, Australia, Brazil, Switzerland, Morocco, Denmark, Tajikistan, South Korea, China, Bahrain, and the United States. The card delivered three finishes, eight hard-fought decisions, and several performances that will reshape divisional rankings for months to come.
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UFC on ABC 6: Whittaker vs Aliskerov Main Card
Main Event: Robert Whittaker Destroys Ikram Aliskerov (Australia vs Russia)
Result: Robert Whittaker defeated Ikram Aliskerov via KO (punches) at 1:49 of Round 1
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker silenced any doubters about his place in the title picture with a devastating first-round knockout of dangerous contender Ikram Aliskerov. The Australian veteran, ranked No. 3 in the division, needed just one minute and forty-nine seconds to dispatch the previously red-hot Russian prospect who entered the bout on a seven-fight winning streak.
The opening moments saw both fighters willing to engage at striking range. Aliskerov attempted to establish his kicking game while Whittaker worked behind his sharp jab, patiently moving forward and closing distance. At the one-minute mark, Whittaker unleashed a picture-perfect right hand counter over the top that caught Aliskerov clean. The shot sent the Russian stumbling backward on unsteady legs, his equilibrium completely compromised.
Sensing blood in the water, Whittaker immediately shifted into destroyer mode. He attempted a high kick that narrowly missed as Aliskerov retreated toward the cage. With his opponent's back against the fence and nowhere to run, Whittaker swarmed with a calculated barrage of power shots. The decisive blow came in the form of a brutal right uppercut that again dropped Aliskerov to the canvas.
Whittaker initially walked away, believing the fight to be finished, but referee Marc Goddard gave Aliskerov a final opportunity to recover on his knees. The Russian attempted to rise but was clearly compromised. Whittaker delivered several more punches to seal the victory, with Goddard stepping in to wave off the contest.
The performance was vintage Whittaker—patient, technical, and ruthlessly efficient when opportunity presented itself. At 33 years old, "The Reaper" demonstrated that his best days are far from behind him. His only losses in recent years have come against Israel Adesanya and current champion Dricus Du Plessis, making a compelling case that he deserves another shot at middleweight gold.
In his post-fight interview, Whittaker acknowledged the difficult circumstances, stating he understood the risks of taking a short-notice replacement but felt confident in his preparation and skill set. The victory moves him one step closer to what would be his third UFC middleweight title fight.
For Aliskerov, the loss was a harsh welcome to the upper echelon of the division. The 31-year-old from Dagestan, who trains in the same region as retired champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, had been building momentum with impressive victories but learned a valuable lesson about the gulf between contender and former champion. His only previous professional loss came against Khamzat Chimaev, making this setback his second career defeat.
Whittaker received a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the spectacular finish.
Co-Main Event: Alexander Volkov Outpoints Sergei Pavlovich (Russia vs Russia)
Result: Alexander Volkov defeated Sergei Pavlovich via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
In an all-Russian heavyweight showdown that carried significant emotional weight, Alexander "Drago" Volkov authored a masterful performance to defeat former training partner and friend Sergei Pavlovich over three rounds. The victory extended Volkov's winning streak to four fights and positioned him for another crack at heavyweight title contention.
The backstory added layers of complexity to this matchup. Volkov and Pavlovich had been friends and occasional training partners for years, both living in Moscow and sparring together during various training camps. Neither fighter wanted this bout, having publicly stated multiple times that Russians should not fight each other unless a title was on the line. The UFC booked the fight anyway, creating an uncomfortable situation that would manifest itself dramatically after the final bell.
Volkov entered as the slight underdog despite his superior experience and ranking. Pavlovich, known for his devastating knockout power, had knocked out six consecutive opponents before suffering a first-round KO loss to interim champion Tom Aspinall in November 2023. Many expected Pavlovich to hunt for another spectacular finish.
Instead, Volkov implemented a pitch-perfect game plan that neutralized Pavlovich's strengths. Standing 6-foot-7, Volkov used every inch of his height and 80-inch reach to control distance from the opening bell. He fought long throughout, offering a diverse array of kicks—leg kicks, body kicks, oblique kicks, front kicks, and side kicks—that kept Pavlovich at bay and unable to set his feet for power punches.
Volkov's jab proved to be the fight's most effective weapon. Sharp and accurate, it repeatedly snapped Pavlovich's head back and opened cuts on his nose and around his left eye. By the end of round one, Pavlovich was visibly bloodied, his face resembling a crimson mask.
Round two marked the first time Pavlovich had ever seen a second round in his UFC career—a testament to both Volkov's defensive acumen and Pavlovich's struggles to adapt. The knockout artist continued stalking forward behind his lead hand, but Volkov's movement and timing prevented him from landing anything significant. Hard body kicks from Volkov further sapped Pavlovich's energy reserves.
The final round saw both massive heavyweights fatigue noticeably. Pavlovich had spurts of aggression where he pressed forward, but his unvaried striking approach meant he often hit Volkov's high guard rather than landing clean. The jab continued to find its mark for the Russian veteran, who cruised through the final five minutes with his presumed two-round lead secure.
When the scorecards were read—30-27, 30-27, and 29-28 for Volkov—the victory seemed clear. But the aftermath turned sour. During the commercial break, Pavlovich approached Volkov but instead of embracing his former friend, he delivered a hard shove and cursed at him in Russian. The incident, caught on camera, left Volkov visibly confused and hurt.
In the post-fight press conference, Volkov addressed the shove: "I don't know what happened. I just came to say thank you for a great fight and he got mad. Maybe all the games before the fight, but I mean, I didn't think it was a nice thing to do from him. I guess he's mad at me—I'm not really sure why and I would love to figure out why. This was the first time I've ever heard Sergei curse because he kind of told me to—well I'm not going to repeat what he said—but this is the first time I've actually heard him maliciously use curse words in my direction."
Pavlovich later released a statement on social media: "It wasn't my day, nothing went according to plan. I was ready for anything, but I was too focused on getting a knockout and took too many unnecessary hits. The result was a loss by points. This was very emotional and tough for me, especially knowing that I didn't meet your expectations."
The victory moves Volkov to 38-10 overall and 11-4 in the UFC. Ranked No. 5 entering the bout, he's now positioned for another marquee assignment and potentially a title eliminator. In his post-fight interview, Volkov expressed interest in fighting for the championship against Jon Jones.
For Pavlovich, the loss marked his first two-fight skid in his professional career. At 32 years old, he'll need to regroup and potentially reconsider his one-dimensional approach after being thoroughly outclassed by the more well-rounded veteran.
Kelvin Gastelum Defeats Daniel Rodriguez (USA vs USA) - Weight Controversy
Result: Kelvin Gastelum defeated Daniel Rodriguez via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
A middleweight bout overshadowed by weight-cutting failures saw Kelvin Gastelum edge Daniel Rodriguez in a competitive three-round battle. However, the real story unfolded during fight week when what was supposed to be a welterweight matchup was moved to 185 pounds due to Gastelum's inability to make weight.
The controversy began when Gastelum, who had returned to welterweight in his previous fight, informed the UFC that he could not reach the 170-pound limit. Rodriguez requested a catchweight of 180 pounds, but Gastelum couldn't even make that mark. The fight was ultimately moved to middleweight at 185 pounds, with Gastelum forfeiting a percentage of his purse to Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, who hadn't fought in over a year, faced a difficult decision: accept the unfavorable terms or lose a much-needed paycheck after a year of inactivity. He reluctantly agreed but voiced his frustration during media day: "I feel like I lost a little respect for the guy. It's lack of discipline. I don't know if Kelvin Gastelum is having a bad fight camp or he's just being lazy and doesn't want to make the weight."
UFC President Dana White was equally unimpressed, telling media after the event: "I'm not thrilled with Kelvin Gastelum right now." This marked Gastelum's third major weight issue in his UFC career.
Once the cage door closed, Gastelum looked surprisingly fresh given the supposed struggles during fight week. Rodriguez worked well in the opening round, finding success with body strikes and his jab. The two exchanged punches with Rodriguez's back near the fence, and both landed significant shots in a competitive first frame.
Round two saw Rodriguez connect with clean shots, including a sharp left hand. But as the fight progressed into the later stages, Gastelum's activity increased and Rodriguez appeared to slow down, mouth agape as fatigue set in—possibly a result of preparing for 170 pounds but fighting someone who likely weighed significantly more on fight night.
The third round proved decisive for Gastelum. He pressured Rodriguez effectively, landing a solid leg kick that caught his opponent off balance. Gastelum then scored his first takedown and had Rodriguez pressed against the fence, controlling position. He would score three more takedowns in the frame, dominating the final five minutes with top control and ground strikes.
All three judges scored the fight for Gastelum: 29-28, 30-27, and 30-27. The victory gave him his third win in his last four appearances and snapped a December 2023 submission loss to Sean Brady.
In an emotional post-fight interview, Gastelum apologized directly to UFC executives: "Dana, Hunter, man, I want to be the best company man that I can be. I want to stay in the UFC forever, for as long as I can. I'm sorry. What happened this week was unacceptable. So I promise I will be better. I know I've said that before, but I'm not a perfect person. I always try to be better. It is what it is."
Despite the apology, fans and media criticized the situation heavily on social media, with many calling for Gastelum to be released from the promotion. The weight advantage potentially made the difference in a fight where Rodriguez appeared to be the cleaner striker before fading late.
Rodriguez dropped to a three-fight losing streak without a victory since September 2022. His losses to Neil Magny and Ian Machado Garry, both by finish, combined with this defeat have put his UFC future in jeopardy.
Shara Magomedov Stops Antonio Trocoli (Russia vs Brazil) - Fence Grab Controversy
Result: Shara Magomedov defeated Antonio Trocoli via TKO (punches) at 2:27 of Round 3
Undefeated Russian prospect Shara "Bullet" Magomedov picked up his first UFC stoppage victory, but not before controversy threatened to derail his night. The 30-year-old middleweight from Dagestan defeated short-notice replacement Antonio Trocoli in the third round after weathering takedown attempts and a questionable non-call by the referee.
Trocoli accepted the fight with less than a week's notice after his original opponent changed. The Brazilian's scheduled bout the previous weekend at UFC Vegas 93 fell through when Ikram Aliskerov—originally set to face Trocoli—was pulled from that card to replace Khamzat Chimaev in the Saudi Arabia main event. In a curious twist of fate, Trocoli followed Aliskerov to Saudi Arabia but ended up facing Magomedov instead.
The debuting Brazilian came to fight, immediately closing distance and throwing hands with Magomedov against the fence in round one. Trocoli clinched up and repeatedly attempted to use his power to secure takedowns, mixing in right hands. Try as he might, however, Trocoli could not dump the Russian, who showcased impressive balance and takedown defense throughout. Referee Marc Goddard warned both fighters about fence grabs in the opening frame.
Round two brought more of the same gameplan from Trocoli, who continued hunting for takedowns while Magomedov worked at distance with his diverse striking arsenal. The Russian landed question mark kicks, spinning back fists, and a variety of leg kicks to all levels. Then came the controversy: with under a minute remaining in the second round, Trocoli nearly secured a takedown, but Magomedov blatantly grabbed the fence to stay upright.
Goddard saw the infraction and wagged his finger in warning, but crucially, he did not take away the advantageous position or deduct a point. Fans and media erupted on social media, arguing that Trocoli had been robbed of a legitimate takedown that could have changed the fight's trajectory. Had the takedown been completed, Trocoli might have controlled position and stolen a round he was otherwise losing.
The fence grab proved pivotal. By the third round, Trocoli's energy reserves were depleted from the relentless pursuit of takedowns and the grueling clinch battles. His gas tank on empty, the Brazilian slowed considerably. Magomedov recognized the shift in momentum and began opening up with his striking.
About ninety seconds into the final frame, Magomedov landed a front kick that nearly did serious damage. He returned to his leg kicks, systematically breaking down a fading Trocoli. Then, as Trocoli changed levels for another desperate takedown attempt, Magomedov timed a perfect knee to the head that stunned him badly.
Sensing the finish was near, Magomedov unloaded with a barrage of punches—targeting both body and head. Trocoli dropped his hands and absorbed clean shots to the face. A devastating left hook put the Brazilian on the canvas, and Goddard immediately waved off the contest at 2:27 of round three.
The victory was impressive in many ways. Magomedov displayed excellent footwork, defended numerous takedown attempts, and showed championship-level cardio. His diverse striking arsenal—featuring spinning techniques, jumping attacks, and strikes from all angles—marked him as an exciting prospect in the middleweight division.
However, the fence grab controversy left a sour taste. ESPN MMA's post of the sequence on social media drew hundreds of comments from fans voicing frustration: "Shara got bailed out," wrote one fan. "That fence grab changed the entire fight," noted another. Had Goddard properly enforced the rules—either by taking away the position and restarting Trocoli on top, or by deducting a point—the outcome might have been different.
For Trocoli, the debut was a heartbreaker. Accepting a fight on short notice, moving up a division, and facing an undefeated prospect would have been challenging under any circumstances. To nearly secure a pivotal takedown only to have it negated by a blatant foul made the loss even more difficult to accept. The 33-year-old fell to 12-4 in his professional career and 0-1 in the UFC.
Magomedov improved to 13-0 overall and 2-0 in the UFC. Despite the controversy, his performance earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. The Russian called for bigger opportunities in his post-fight interview, and with two UFC wins under his belt—including his first finish—he'll likely get them.
Volkan Oezdemir Flatlines Johnny Walker (Switzerland vs Brazil)
Result: Volkan Oezdemir defeated Johnny Walker via KO (punches) at 2:28 of Round 1
Swiss knockout artist Volkan "No Time" Oezdemir lived up to his nickname in spectacular fashion, scoring his first knockout victory since 2019 with a vicious first-round destruction of Johnny Walker. The light heavyweight bout opened the main card and set the tone for an exciting evening of action.
Both fighters entered the contest as dangerous strikers with highlight-reel finishes on their resumes. Walker, from Brazil but fighting out of SBG Ireland in Dublin, was ranked No. 7 in the division. Oezdemir, the Swiss veteran ranked No. 9, came in riding momentum from a submission victory over Bogdan Guskov in his previous fight.
From the opening bell, Oezdemir demonstrated that he understood the matchup perfectly. He immediately pressured Walker, cutting off the cage and attacking with combinations. Walker attempted to keep distance with low kicks, trying to establish his range, but Oezdemir's punches were coming dangerously close right away. The Swiss fighter was also landing effective kicks of his own, matching Walker technique for technique.
The end came swiftly and brutally. At around the ninety-second mark, Oezdemir landed a hard left hook that floored Walker. The Brazilian returned to his feet but was clearly hurt, his equilibrium compromised and legs wobbling. "No Time" stayed on him relentlessly, cutting off escape routes and throwing in combination along the fence.
Then came the decisive blow: Oezdemir timed a perfect uppercut that sat Walker down for a second time. This knockdown was far more severe. As Walker hit the canvas, Oezdemir followed up with one more massive shot—an unnecessary but devastating punch that sent Walker deep into unconsciousness. His body stiffened, and medical personnel immediately rushed to attend to him.
The knockout was as brutal as they come. Walker was not present for the official decision announcement, receiving treatment on his stool with a visibly busted nose. A concerned Oezdemir refused to celebrate until Walker was conscious and standing, showing respect for an opponent he'd just violently knocked out.
The victory marked a significant milestone for Oezdemir. Not only was it his first knockout win since stopping Ilir Latifi in 2019, but it was also his first round-one KO since brutally finishing Jimi Manuwa in just 42 seconds back in 2017—a knockout that had propelled him to a title shot against Daniel Cormier.
Now 36 years old, Oezdemir demonstrated that the speed and power that once made him a championship contender remain intact. The win was his second consecutive stoppage and third victory in his last four fights. In his post-fight interview, he called out former champions Jan Blachowicz and Jamahal Hill as potential next opponents, targeting a return to the top five of the division.
For Walker, the knockout loss was devastating. It marked his second consecutive KO defeat, having previously been stopped by Magomed Ankalaev in January 2024. That earlier loss had snapped a three-fight winning streak during which Walker had appeared to be putting his career back on track with victories over Ion Cutelaba, Paul Craig, and Anthony Smith.
At 32 years old, Walker now faces serious questions about his chin and his ability to compete with elite light heavyweights. He's winless in his last three fights and has been knocked out in back-to-back bouts—a dangerous trend that suggests he may need to make significant adjustments or consider a change in weight class.
Oezdemir received a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for the spectacular finish, bringing his career earnings from bonuses to over $200,000.
UFC on ABC 6: Whittaker vs Aliskerov Preliminary Card
Nasrat Haqparast Edges Jared Gordon (Morocco vs USA)
Result: Nasrat Haqparast defeated Jared Gordon via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Lightweight veterans Nasrat Haqparast and Jared Gordon delivered an action-packed three-round battle in the final preliminary card bout, with Haqparast extending his winning streak to four fights via split decision. The close, competitive nature of the fight left Gordon frustrated and convinced he'd done enough to win.
Haqparast, fighting out of Germany but representing Morocco, looked sharp in the opening round. His snappy striking and excellent footwork allowed him to control distance and land the cleaner shots. When Gordon attempted takedowns—his bread and butter—Haqparast displayed superb defensive wrestling, sprawling and maintaining the fight in his preferred striking range.
As the fight progressed into rounds two and three, Gordon's pressure and persistence began to pay dividends. The American veteran is known for his relentless pace and cardio, and he used both to claim more ground as Haqparast's energy reserves started depleting. Gordon's constant pressure, level changes with takedown feints, and willingness to grind in the clinch made things increasingly uncomfortable for the striker.
Both men traded through to the final horn, neither willing to concede an inch. The fight could have gone either way, with Gordon's pressure and volume competing against Haqparast's cleaner, more damaging strikes. When the scorecards were read—29-28, 29-28 for Haqparast, and 28-29 for Gordon—the split decision reflected the close nature of the contest.
Gordon was visibly frustrated by the result, convinced he had won the fight. However, Haqparast offered his own assessment in the post-fight press conference: "Honestly not surprised. I landed the more significant strikes, I hurt him. He had a good game plan."
"He tried to push me back, maybe that's why one judge gave him the fight, but I think I did enough to win. I think it was a good experience. Jared Gordon is a tough guy. He has 14 fights in the UFC, he fought some of the best guys in the world. He fought Charles Oliveira, Bobby Green, Grant Dawson. Like, top 15 guys. He has the quality of a top 15 guy, and I'm entering my prime slowly."
The 28-year-old Haqparast then called his shot for the future: "I called out the top 15, Renato Moicano, you are next brother. Let's go. I'm sure he's going to try and take me down. Look what Drew Dober did with him. Maybe with 10 punches he smashed his head. Look what Jalin Turner did with him. I'm coming for the top 15 with violence."
Haqparast improved to 17-5 overall and 9-4 in the UFC. After struggling with consistency earlier in his career, he appears to have found his footing in the lightweight division with four consecutive victories. The win positions him for a step up in competition against ranked opposition.
Gordon dropped to 20-7 and 8-6 in the UFC. Despite the loss, his performance demonstrated that he remains a tough test for anyone in the lightweight division. His resume includes bouts against elite competition like Charles Oliveira, and at 35 years old, he continues to provide valuable opposition for rising contenders.
Felipe Lima Submits Muhammad Naimov (Brazil vs Tajikistan) - Short Notice Success
Result: Felipe Lima defeated Muhammad Naimov via submission (rear-naked choke) at 1:15 of Round 3
In one of the most impressive short-notice performances of the year, Brazilian newcomer Felipe Lima accepted a UFC debut fight with less than a week's preparation, moved up a weight class, and still managed to submit the previously unbeaten (in the UFC) Muhammad Naimov in the third round.
The backstory made Lima's victory even more remarkable. Originally scheduled to fight Melsik Baghdasaryan, Lima received the call to face Naimov after Baghdasaryan withdrew. The 26-year-old Brazilian, who had been competing at bantamweight for European promotion OKTAGON MMA, agreed to move up to featherweight on minimal notice.
The parallels to Naimov's own UFC debut were striking—the Tajikistan native had won his first UFC fight by stepping in on short notice and moving up a division to defeat Jamie Mullarkey.
Lima came out aggressively in round one, demonstrating why he's considered one of the top prospects from Europe. He knocked Naimov off balance with a front kick, then immediately threw a flying knee that grazed his opponent's face. The Brazilian's diverse striking arsenal—featuring unorthodox techniques, spinning attacks, and jumping strikes—kept Naimov guessing throughout the opening frame.
Naimov managed to take the fight to the ground late in the first and controlled position for a portion of the round. In the second, Naimov found more success, connecting with stiff right hands that briefly had Lima on the defensive. However, the Brazilian remained dangerous from his back, throwing up submission attempts including triangles and omoplatas to keep Naimov from settling into a rhythm.
After two competitive rounds, Lima's corner—led by head coach Andreas Michael—lit a fire under their fighter. Michael's words resonated, and Lima came out for round three with renewed aggression. He landed a flying knee followed by a cross, then secured a crucial takedown and immediately took Naimov's back.
The finish came quickly once Lima secured back mount. He wrapped his arms around Naimov's neck, sinking in a tight rear-naked choke. Naimov had no choice but to tap at 1:15 of the third round, giving Lima a spectacular UFC debut victory.
In his post-fight interview, an emotional Lima addressed both the short notice and his motivations: "It's short notice, but I'm professional. I'm always in amazing shape, every day in the gym and I was ready. In the second round, I was a little bit sleeping, but my coach woke me up, and I will get to see my mom."
The victory was doubly impressive considering Lima's background. He grew up in difficult circumstances in Brazil and has spoken about fighting to provide a better life for his family. His journey through European MMA—including capturing the OKTAGON bantamweight championship by defeating Jonas Mågård when he was expected to be a sacrificial victim—mirrors the classic underdog story.
Lima received a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus for his remarkable debut, bringing his professional record to 13-0. Fighting out of Allstars Training Center, he's now positioned as an exciting addition to the UFC's featherweight division.
For Naimov, the loss was his first in four UFC appearances and snapped a promising start to his promotional tenure. The 26-year-old Tajikistan native fell to 14-3 overall but remains a talented prospect with strong grappling credentials. At 145 pounds, he'll have opportunities to rebuild and work his way back into contention.
Rinat Fakhretdinov Decisions Nicolas Dalby (Russia vs Denmark)
Result: Rinat Fakhretdinov defeated Nicolas Dalby via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Russian welterweight prospect Rinat "Gladiator" Fakhretdinov continued his unbeaten march through the UFC ranks, earning a hard-fought split decision over Danish veteran Nicolas Dalby. The victory improved Fakhretdinov's record to 4-0-1 in the UFC and extended his overall unbeaten streak to 21 fights.
Fakhretdinov got the better of the action in the opening round, using his sharp jab to control distance and keep Dalby on the defensive. Late in the frame, the Russian landed his most significant strike of the fight—a right hand that visibly staggered Dalby and dropped him to one knee. The Dane recovered and made it to the bell, but the round clearly belonged to Fakhretdinov.
Rounds two and three proved much tighter and more competitive. Fakhretdinov shifted his approach, leaning heavily on his wrestling and grappling to control Dalby. The Russian pressed his opponent against the cage repeatedly, working for takedowns and maintaining clinch control. Dalby, however, proved difficult to hold down and chipped away with short shots from close range.
In the final minute of round three, Dalby mounted a furious rally, landing clean strikes that stunned the previously dominant Fakhretdinov. The late surge from the Danish veteran raised questions about whether he had done enough to steal the round or even the fight. The close nature of the second and third frames made the decision a coin flip.
When the scorecards were announced—29-28, 29-28 for Fakhretdinov, and 28-29 for Dalby—the split decision validated how competitive the fight had been. Fakhretdinov's dominant first round likely secured his victory, but Dalby's late surge demonstrated why he's considered one of the toughest outs in the welterweight division.
Now 23-2-1 overall and 4-0-1 in the UFC (with the draw coming against Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos), Fakhretdinov has established himself as one to watch in the 170-pound ranks. The 29-year-old Russian has not suffered a defeat in over five years, with his last loss coming in 2019. His wrestling-heavy approach and solid striking make him a difficult puzzle for welterweights to solve.
Dalby, representing Denmark, fell to 23-5-1 with 2 no contests in his professional career and 7-4-1 with 1 no contest in the UFC. At 39 years old, the veteran continues to provide stern tests for rising contenders. His professional attitude and willingness to fight anyone have made him a valuable gatekeeper in the division.
Muin Gafurov Dominates Kyung Ho Kang (Tajikistan vs South Korea)
Result: Muin Gafurov defeated Kyung Ho Kang via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Tajikistan's Muin Gafurov earned his first UFC victory in emphatic fashion, earning a clean sweep on the scorecards against South Korean veteran Kyung Ho Kang. The bantamweight bout featured shifts in momentum, diverse attacks, and quality grappling exchanges that entertained the Saudi Arabian crowd.
Gafurov established his game plan early, landing hard calf kicks that repeatedly took Kang off his feet or close to it. The leg attacks disrupted Kang's rhythm and made the South Korean hesitant to stand and trade. When Kang attempted a takedown after being knocked off balance, Gafurov sprawled perfectly, spun around, and ended up on top in half guard.
From top position, Gafurov proved to be an active and dangerous grappler. He worked methodically in Kang's guard, landing big elbows that opened cuts and left Kang defending rather than attacking. The Tajikistan native showed patience, never rushing for submissions but instead maintaining control and accumulating damage with ground strikes.
Kang had his moments, particularly when scrambles occurred. The 36-year-old South Korean veteran managed to take Gafurov's back briefly, jumping onto the body and looking for a rear-naked choke. However, Gafurov remained calm under pressure and slammed backward to the canvas, escaping the position and ending the round on top.
The second and third rounds followed similar patterns. When the fight remained standing, Gafurov's kicks and combinations gave him the edge. When Kang secured takedowns, Gafurov would work his way to top position or back to the feet. The diversity of both fighters' attacks kept the fight interesting throughout, with submission attempts, striking exchanges, and grappling battles providing nonstop action.
By the final bell, there was no doubt about the winner. All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Gafurov, marking a dominant three-round performance. The victory was particularly sweet for the 28-year-old, who had dropped his first two UFC appearances—a decision loss to Batgerel Danaa and a first-round submission defeat to Said Nurmagomedov.
Gafurov improved to 19-6 overall and 1-2 in the UFC. Fighting out of Russia but representing Tajikistan, he's now looking to build momentum in the highly competitive bantamweight division.
Kang, known as "Mr. Perfect" in his fighting days, fell to 19-11 with 1 no contest overall and 8-5 with 1 no contest in the UFC. The loss extended his winless streak to two, having previously dropped a decision to John Castañeda. At 36 years old, the South Korean veteran faces an uphill battle to remain relevant in a division filled with young, hungry contenders.
Magomed Gadzhiyasulov Grinds Out Brendson Ribeiro (Bahrain vs Brazil)
Result: Magomed Gadzhiyasuov defeated Brendson Ribeiro via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
Russian light heavyweight prospect Magomed Gadzhiyasuov successfully navigated a tricky UFC debut, grinding out a majority decision victory over Brazilian veteran Brendson Ribeiro despite being hurt multiple times. The back-and-forth battle showcased both fighters' skills while highlighting the challenges of making a promotional debut against experienced opposition.
Ribeiro came out aggressively in the opening round, landing a high kick and establishing his striking. When Gadzhiyasuov attempted a takedown, the Brazilian grabbed the fence to stay upright—a blatant foul that referee Jason Herzog caught. Herzog warned Gadzhiyasuov but controversially restarted the action with the Russian on one knee rather than on top, potentially costing him a more advantageous position.
The end of round one turned dramatically in Ribeiro's favor. The Brazilian blasted Gadzhiyasuov with a punishing low kick that buckled the Russian's leg and caused him to stumble badly. Had Ribeiro capitalized more aggressively in those final seconds, he might have secured a finish.
Round two saw Ribeiro nearly end the fight. He attacked a mounted guillotine choke that appeared incredibly tight, with Gadzhiyasuov's face turning red as the Brazilian squeezed. The submission seemed close to being finished, but Gadzhiyasuov showed tremendous heart and technical skill to escape. Once free, he reversed position and took top control.
The escape proved to be the turning point. Gadzhiyasuov controlled the final three minutes of the second round from top position, landing short shots and neutralizing Ribeiro's offensive output. The wrestling dominance carried into round three, where Gadzhiyasuov secured an early takedown and went to work.
From top position, Gadzhiyasuov displayed patience and control. He transitioned between positions—half guard, side control, back mount—always working to advance while landing short hammerfists and punches. Ribeiro gave up his back at one point, leading to a barrage of strikes. Gadzhiyasuov threatened with an arm-triangle choke but ultimately opted to maintain position and continue ground strikes.
The judges were called upon to determine the winner of the closely contested battle. Two scored it 29-28 for Gadzhiyasuov, while one judge saw it as a 28-28 draw, resulting in a majority decision victory for the debuting Russian.
At 9-0 overall and 1-0 in the UFC, Gadzhiyasuov showed both the skills that make him a prospect to watch and the vulnerabilities that high-level competition exposes. The 30-year-old, fighting out of Bahrain but originally from Russia, demonstrated solid wrestling, decent striking, and excellent heart. However, he was hurt multiple times and will need to improve his defensive striking to compete with the elite of the light heavyweight division.
Ribeiro fell to 16-7 with 1 no contest overall and 0-2 in the UFC. The 28-year-old Brazilian has now dropped both of his promotional appearances but showed enough in this performance to suggest he belongs at this level. His guillotine attempts and striking both nearly secured victory.
ChangHo Lee Wins Road to UFC Finale (South Korea vs China)
Result: ChangHo Lee defeated Xiao Long via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
The UFC's debut event in Saudi Arabia opened with the bantamweight final of Road to UFC Season 2, as South Korea's ChangHo Lee edged China's Xiao Long in a closely contested split decision. Both fighters earned UFC contracts through their performances, but it was Lee who walked away with his hand raised after fifteen minutes of back-and-forth action.
The Road to UFC series provides Asian fighters a path to the UFC through a tournament format, with the winners earning coveted promotional contracts. This particular matchup had been postponed twice before finally taking place in Riyadh, adding extra anticipation to the clash.
Xiao opened strongly, attempting to push the pace and put pressure on Lee. The Chinese fighter came out fast, but Lee had an effective counter-strategy. As Xiao pressed forward, Lee consistently targeted the body with knees from the clinch. These body attacks proved crucial as the fight progressed, visibly sapping Xiao's energy reserves.
The opening moments featured drama when Xiao made as though to touch gloves but instead withdrew his hand and launched a flying knee. The surprise attack landed and knocked Lee backward off balance, though it didn't cause serious damage. Xiao was already bleeding heavily—possibly from a clash of heads—adding a visual element to an already intense encounter.
As the fight moved through the rounds, Lee's body work continued to pay dividends. Xiao's pace slowed noticeably, his mouth hanging open as he gulped for air between exchanges. Lee, meanwhile, appeared to grow stronger, his conditioning allowing him to maintain output and pressure even as Xiao wilted.
The judges were split on the closely contested affair: two scored it 29-28 for Lee, while one saw it 28-29 for Xiao. The split decision was fair given how competitive all three rounds had been, with momentum shifting multiple times throughout.
Lee improved to 11-1 in his professional MMA career and secured his UFC contract with the victory. The 26-year-old South Korean demonstrated solid striking, excellent body work, and championship-level cardio—all attributes that should serve him well in the UFC's bantamweight division.
Xiao Long fell to 27-10 but also earned a UFC contract despite the loss. At 26 years old, the Chinese fighter showed toughness and aggression that suggest he'll be competitive at the UFC level. His willingness to engage and pressure throughout the fight, even as his gas tank depleted, demonstrated the kind of warrior spirit the UFC values.
Both fighters entered the bantamweight division following the event, adding to an already deep roster at 135 pounds.
The Big Picture: UFC's Successful Saudi Arabia Debut
UFC's first event in Saudi Arabia achieved its primary objectives: delivering exciting fights, showcasing international talent, and establishing the promotion's presence in a new market. The 12,000 fans in attendance at Kingdom Arena witnessed three knockout finishes, one submission, and seven competitive decisions that kept the crowd engaged throughout.
The event's main talking points extended beyond the cage. The absence of Khamzat Chimaev—originally scheduled to face Whittaker in what would have been one of 2024's biggest middleweight bouts—continued a troubling pattern for the undefeated Chechen-Swede.
Chimaev has withdrawn from multiple high-profile fights due to illness in recent years, leading UFC President Dana White to publicly question whether health issues will permanently derail his championship aspirations.
Whittaker's destruction of Aliskerov in the replacement bout sent a clear message to the middleweight division: the former champion remains a legitimate threat to current titleholder Dricus Du Plessis. With Israel Adesanya having recently reclaimed his spot in title contention, the middleweight division features a compelling mix of past champions, present rulers, and dangerous contenders all vying for position.
The heavyweight co-main event between Volkov and Pavlovich raised questions about Russian fighters being matched against each other. Both men had publicly stated they didn't want the fight, believing Russians should only face each other for championships. The post-fight shoving incident suggested genuine animosity developed during the matchmaking process, potentially burning a bridge between former friends and training partners.
Controversies surrounding weight management and officiating also dominated post-event discussions. Gastelum's inability to make welterweight for the third time in his career drew sharp criticism from White and prompted calls for his release. The fence grab non-call in the Magomedov-Trocoli fight sparked debate about referee consistency and whether blatant fouls are being properly punished.
On the positive side, the emergence of new talent provided hope for multiple divisions. Felipe Lima's short-notice debut victory announced him as a featherweight to watch. Gadzhiyasuov showed promise despite nearly being finished in his debut. Fakhretdinov's continued unbeaten run positions him for bigger opportunities at welterweight.
The Performance of the Night bonuses went to Robert Whittaker, Volkan Oezdemir, Shara Magomedov, and Felipe Lima—each receiving an additional $50,000. No Fight of the Night bonus was awarded, suggesting the UFC felt no single bout rose to that level despite several competitive decisions.
Looking ahead, the event's success virtually guarantees the UFC will return to Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom has invested heavily in sports and entertainment as part of its Vision 2030 initiative, hosting everything from boxing mega-fights to professional golf tournaments. With government backing, state-of-the-art facilities, and a growing fanbase for combat sports, Saudi Arabia represents a valuable market for the promotion.
For the fighters, Saturday night's results will reshape divisional landscapes. Whittaker's victory puts him one win away from another title shot. Volkov earned his way into heavyweight title discussions. Lima, Haqparast, and Fakhretdinov all took steps toward ranked opposition. Meanwhile, Walker, Pavlovich, Rodriguez, and Naimov face the challenge of rebounding from setbacks that threaten their positions in crowded divisions.
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs Aliskerov delivered everything the promotion hoped for from its Saudi Arabia debut—international appeal, exciting finishes, competitive battles, and memorable moments that will be discussed for months to come. As the UFC continues its global expansion, events like this demonstrate the sport's universal appeal and the talent emerging from every corner of the globe.
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