'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Ikram Aliskerov recently reacted to Robert Whittaker's comments about him and dismissed them as not being an issue. The Dagestani will have a massive opportunity as he takes on the former middleweight champion, who is currently ranked No.3 in the division.
The bout is scheduled to headline UFC Saudi Arabia this Saturday and came together rather quickly as the promotion were forced to act quickly in order to salvage their main event. Whittaker was originally scheduled to fight Khamzat Chimaev, however, he was forced to withdraw from the event due to illness and was replaced by Aliskerov.
Following the news of the short notice change, Whittaker noted that he didn't know who Aliskerov was, but accepted the bout anyways. While speaking to Red Corner MMA, Aliskerov dismissed the former middleweight champion's comments and mentioned that he believes he wasn't being truthful. He said:
Trending
"I think he [Whittaker] was lying. I'm sure he rewatched my fight with Khamzat [Chimaev] a million times because he was preparing for him...I think so [he'll remember me]. He'll have to fight me for five rounds." [4:57 - 5:12]
Get the latest updates on One Championship Rankings at Sportskeeda and more
Check out Ikram Aliskerov's comments regarding Robert Whittaker below:
Ikram Aliskerov reveals that Khabib Nurmagomedov encouraged him after accepting Robert Whittaker fight
Ikram Aliskerov is taking a massive step up in competition as he is set to fight former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia.
The Dagestani will be headlining the promotion's first event in Saudi Arabia and will have an opportunity to insert himself in the title picture at 185 pounds. During the aforementioned interview, Aliskerov revealed that Khabib Nurmagomedov encouraged him after he accepted the short notice bout and mentioned that it is an excellent opportunity. He said:
"After I took the fight, I called Khabib [Nurmagomedov]. He said, 'You can't miss these chances. You have to fly here, sweat for two-three days.'...We discussed [the fight], but I won't get into it...'Pay attention because he's a striker. Be attentive and everything will work out.'" [5:18 - 5:54]
Check out Dana White announcing Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov below:
