Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) made its highly anticipated debut in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on June 22, 2024, with an action-packed event headlined by Robert Whittaker versus Ikram Aliskerov. The night was filled with electrifying performances, stunning knockouts, and dramatic victories inside Kingdom Arena. Here’s a rundown of the biggest winners and the most unfortunate loser from the event.
Biggest Winner: Robert Whittaker
Robert Whittaker secured the top spot as the biggest winner of the night with his first-round knockout victory over Ikram Aliskerov. Originally scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev, Whittaker adapted quickly to the last-minute change in opponents. Displaying his trademark precision and power, Whittaker delivered a devastating uppercut that ended the fight in spectacular fashion. This victory not only earned him a $50k Performance of the Night bonus but also kept his momentum going in the Middleweight division. With this win, Whittaker remains a strong contender for a title shot, possibly setting up a high-stakes fight against Sean Strickland next.
Runner-Up: Volkan Oezdemir
Volkan “No Time” Oezdemir made a triumphant return to the spotlight with a brutal first-round knockout over Johnny Walker. This victory marks Oezdemir’s second consecutive first-round stoppage, showcasing his return to form. After a period of inconsistency, Oezdemir’s recent performances have reignited his path towards the Top 5 in the Light Heavyweight division. His decisive win over Walker not only boosted his rankings but also earned him a $50,000 performance bonus, making his night even sweeter.
Honorable Mention: Felipe Lima
Felipe Lima delivered one of the standout performances of the night with his rear-naked choke victory over Muhammad Naimov. Taking the fight on short notice and moving up to Featherweight, Lima demonstrated resilience and skill. After a strong first round, he slowed down slightly in the second but came out aggressive in the third, securing a takedown and finishing the fight with a submission. This victory extends Lima’s win streak to 13 and positions him as a rising star to watch in the UFC. His impressive debut, coupled with a $50,000 bonus, marks a perfect introduction to the big stage.
Biggest Loser: Johnny Walker
Johnny Walker’s night ended in disappointment as he suffered his second consecutive brutal knockout loss, this time to Volkan Oezdemir. Walker, once considered a promising contender in the Light Heavyweight division, has now gone winless in his last three fights. His inability to get back on track raises significant questions about his future in the UFC. With all the talent and physical tools at his disposal, Walker needs to find a way to overcome this slump. Another knockout loss in his next fight could be detrimental to his career, making it a make-or-break situation for the towering Brazilian.
Highlights of the Night:
- Robert Whittaker’s Knockout of Ikram Aliskerov: Whittaker’s clinical uppercut that ended the main event in under two minutes.
- Volkan Oezdemir’s KO of Johnny Walker: A reminder of Oezdemir’s devastating power and a significant step back for Walker.
- Felipe Lima’s Rear-Naked Choke Victory: An impressive, short-notice performance that showcased Lima’s potential in the Featherweight division.
The UFC’s first event in Saudi Arabia was a night to remember, with dramatic finishes and standout performances. Robert Whittaker emerged as the biggest winner, reaffirming his status as a top contender, while Johnny Walker faced another setback, placing his UFC future in jeopardy. As the fighters look ahead, fans can anticipate exciting matchups and redemption stories in the coming months.
