Australia’s Robert Whittaker has faced a significant setback just before his highly anticipated showdown with Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia. UFC officials have confirmed that Chimaev is out of the June 23 headliner in Riyadh due to illness. This announcement sheds light on Whittaker’s recent cryptic post stating, “Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime.”
Chimaev’s Replacement: Ikram Aliskerov
Chimaev’s withdrawal has led to the introduction of Dagestani fighter Ikram Aliskerov as his replacement. Aliskerov, who is on a winning streak of seven consecutive fights, including two victories since joining the UFC in the 2022 season of Dana White’s Contender Series, now steps into the spotlight.
Impact on Whittaker’s Title Hopes
The change of opponent raises questions about Whittaker’s title aspirations. Initially, Whittaker believed a win over the undefeated Chimaev would position him as the next contender for the UFC middleweight title, currently held by South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis (DDP). The outcome of this bout could have directly influenced Whittaker’s path to the title.
Upcoming Championship Bout Discussions
Fox Sports Australia reports that a championship fight between DDP and New Zealand’s Israel Adesanya is being considered for UFC 305 in Perth on August 18. Additionally, former champion Sean Strickland has indicated his willingness to wait for a match against the winner of that bout after his recent victory over Costa at UFC 302. Strickland notably took the title from Adesanya in a major upset at UFC 293 in Sydney last September.
Dana White’s Statement on Chimaev’s Health
In a social media video, UFC President Dana White addressed Chimaev’s condition, stating that he is “violently ill” and has returned home to recover. Reports from the United States indicated Khamzat Chimaev‘s hospitalization. This announcement came shortly after Whittaker posted a highlights video with the message, “Anyone Anywhere Anytime.”
Series of Inactivity Issues for Chimaev
Chimaev’s withdrawal continues his series of inactivity issues, which have included injuries and a severe case of COVID-19. Although undefeated in his two fights since moving to the UFC middleweight division, Chimaev hasn’t fought since his win over former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. After his original opponent, Brazilian Paulo Costa, withdrew just days before the event, that fight was a short-notice booking.
Whittaker’s Recent Performance
Whittaker has been active in the octagon, defeating Costa at UFC 298 earlier this year. However, he faced a setback before that victory, losing by TKO to the current UFC middleweight titleholder, Dricus du Plessis, at UFC 290.
Conor McGregor’s Potential Withdrawal
Adding to the tough month for UFC fans, there are suggestions that Irish megastar Conor McGregor might also have to withdraw from his hyped UFC 303 headliner against Michael Chandler on June 30.
Chimaev’s withdrawal from the fight with Whittaker not only disrupts the eagerly awaited showdown but also leaves Whittaker’s immediate title hopes uncertain. As the UFC navigates these changes, fans will be keenly watching how the middleweight division unfolds in the coming months.
The information is taken from Fox News ESPN
