Russia’s Khamzat Chimaev to headline big UFC Saudi card (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE/AFP) … [+]
AFP (via Getty Images)
The UFC’s first event in Saudi Arabia has an official date and main event.
The event is set to take place in Riyadh on June 22nd with former champion Robert Whittaker facing off against Khamzat Chimaev, the No. 1 middleweight contender.
Whittaker recently secured a victory over Paulo Costa in his latest fight after a TKO loss to reigning champion Doricas du Plessis in July 2023.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 23: Robert Whittaker poses with Robert during the UFC 290 media opportunity … [+]
Zuffa LLC
Chimaev, on the other hand, remains undefeated and triumphed over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman by majority decision in October 2023. Since his UFC debut in July 2020, he has been on a steady path towards a title shot.
This highly anticipated showdown will feature Chimaev’s grappling prowess against Whittaker’s striking skills. The victor is slated to become du Plessis’ next opponent, as declared by UFC CEO Dana White. Du Plessis clinched the title in January in a controversial split decision against Sean Strickland.
The main event promises to be a competitive match, reminiscent of what could often be a co-main event on most UFC pay-per-view cards. The inaugural UFC show in Saudi Arabia was initially planned for March but has been rescheduled to June by Turki Alarusik of X to allow for the participation of top talent.
Alongside Whittaker vs. Chimaev, the event will showcase a top-10 heavyweight clash between Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov. The latter announced to be Jaylton Almeida’s next opponent at UFC 302, which has been rescheduled.
Although Almeida may still fight at the Newark event, he will require a new opponent.
The fight card will also include a welterweight bout between Kelvin Gastelum and Daniel Rodriguez, a light heavyweight showdown pitting Johnny Walker against Volkan Ezdemir, and an intriguing Russian middleweight clash between the undefeated Shara Magomedov and Ihor Potieria. Further details on the subsequent matches will be disclosed in due course.
This lineup is poised to deliver a high-quality Saudi card that meets the UFC’s promotional standards for its inaugural event in the country. Much like other UFC events, the fight card will help progress the ongoing narrative towards a championship opportunity across various weight divisions.
