The first edition of the UFC in Saudi Arabia will feature a duel between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev in the main fight (Photo: Reproduction)
President of Ultimate, Dana White announced in the early hours of this Thursday (28) the details of the long-awaited debut of the UFC in Saudi Arabia, which will take place on June 22nd, with a “Fight Night” model card. Through a video on his official Instagram account, the president has already confirmed some fights for the edition. The main event will feature the former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker facing Khamzat Chimaev in combat lasting up to five rounds.
Former middleweight belt holder, Robert Whittaker (25w-7l) is currently third in the category rankings and last saw action in February, at UFC 298, when he defeated Paulo Borrachinha in a unanimous decision by the judges. Ranked 11th among the best in Ultimate in the division, Khamzat Chimaev is undefeated in his MMA career, with 13 victories, seven of them with the organization, the most recent in October last year, when he beat former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman by majority decision.
In addition to Whittaker x Chimaev, the UFC’s debut card in Saudi Arabia had other fights announced. In the heavyweight category, Sergei Pavlovich (18v-2d) will have Alexander Volkov (37v-10d) ahead. Volkov was expected to face Brazilian Jailton Malhadinho at UFC 302 in June, however, according to journalist Marcel Dorff, Ultimate opted for new plans for the Russian.
In the light heavyweight division, Johnny Walker (21w-8l), seventh in the rankings, comes from a defeat to Magomed Ankalaev in January. To seek recovery, the Brazilian will face ninth place Volkan Oezdemir (19v-7l), Swiss who is coming off a triumph over Bogdan Guskov in his most recent appearance, in September last year.
Furthermore, in the middleweight division, the undefeated Shara Magomedov (13w-0l), who debuted in the UFC in October last year with a triumph over Brazilian Bruno Blindado, will face Ihor Potieria (20w-5d) on the Saudi Arabian card. At 27 years old, the Ukrainian last saw action in February, when he got the better of Robert Bryczek. In the welterweight category, Kevin Gastelum (18w-9l) will face the experienced American fighter Daniel Rodriguez (17w-4l).
PROVISIONAL CARD:
UFC on ABC 6
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Middleweight: Robert Whittaker x Khamzat Chimaev
Heavyweight: Sergei Pavlovich x Alexander Volkov
Light heavyweight: Johnny Walker x Volkan Oezdemir
Welterweight: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez
Middleweight: Shara Magomedov x Ihor Potieria
To check out more news about UFC in Saudi Arabia, click here
Matthew Machado
Journalist passionate about fights and football. Working for TATAME since 2015, I had the honor and privilege of covering major MMA, Jiu-Jitsu and other martial arts events over the last few years, as well as interviewing some of the biggest names in the world of fighting. “Obsessed” with information, always willing to tell new stories and witness remarkable moments.
Tags: UFC announces debut Saudi Arabia Whittaker Chimaev main fight duels
