Robert Whittaker branded a liar and a “washed up fighter” ahead of main event showdown

Robert Whittaker’s last minute opponent Ikram Aliskerov didn’t hold back and says the Aussie fighter ‘was lying’ in comments made ahead of the main event showdown in Saudi Arabia.

Robert Whittaker has been branded a liar and a “worn out” fighter ahead of his main event bout against Ikram Aliskerov in Saudi Arabia this weekend.

Whittaker will face late-notice replacement Aliskerov after his original opponent for the UFC’s debut in Riyadh, Khamzat Chimaev, pulled out with illness last week.

Whittaker’s bout with Chimaev had been billed as a middleweight title eliminator, with the victor getting a shot at the winner of Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya’s UFC 305 championship fight in Perth in August.

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A convincing win against the unranked Aliskerov could still be enough to book another title shot for Whittkaker, but he admitted he’d never heard of his opponent until the hastily made fight was confirmed.

Whittaker had never heard of Aliskerov, but says he’s more dangerous than Chimaev. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

“The first I heard about him was when they said we’ve got the fight with him,” Whittaker told this masthead this week.

“I looked up some tape and understood straight away how dangerous this guy is, so I’m treating it appropriately.”

Aliskerov, whose only loss is to Chimaev in 2019, had a blunt response when asked about those comments in Riyadh.

“I think he was lying,” he told the Red Corner MMA YouTube channel. “I’m sure he re-watched my fight with Khamzat a million times because he was preparing to fight him.”

Meanwhile, fellow professional fighter, Eldar Eldarov – who will work Aliskerov’s corner this weekend – labelled Whittaker a “worn out fighter” who has been knocked out and knocked down.

“I always go for the KO to not have the fight go to a decision,” Aliskerov said of his chances of stopping Whittaker. “Whittaker isn’t a young guy.

Ikram Aliskerov had some home truths for Robert Whittaker. Picture: Getty Images

“He’s an elite middleweight and one of the best fighters in the world

“A fight is a fight, whether it’s Whittaker, Adesanya or the bottom guy in the rankings. It’s no difference.

“I come out with the same mindset, I need to win, and that’s it.”

Despite only having two fights in the UFC, Aliskerov has already earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous middleweights on the planet.

The 31-year-old was preparing for a fight in Las Vegas against Andre Muniz last weekend, before receiving the call up to fight Whittaker, so was already in prime condition.

That’s why, despite the discrepancy in their top-level experience, Whittaker is only paying $1.68 with the bookies.

Ended his last fight with fireworks 💥@Ikram_Aliskerov hopes to excite in the #UFCSaudiArabia main event!#RiyadhSeason | @RiyadhSeasonpic.twitter.com/kEbayMwbst

— UFC (@ufc) June 20, 2024

Indeed, Whittaker says Aliskerov is even more dangerous than Chimaev, the close friend of Islam Makhachev and Khabib Nurmagomedov wasted no time in seeking out his world champion mates for advice.

“After I took the fight, I called Khabib,” he said. “He said, ‘You can’t miss these chances, you have to fly here, sweat for two or three days.

“(He said), ‘pay attention, because he’s a striker. Be attentive and everything will work out.’”

How to watch Robert Whittaker’s fight?

You can watch Whittaker on ESPN Channel 509 and on Kayo Sports.

Is Robert Whittaker fighting on a pay per view card?

No. Whittaker and Aliskerov are headlining a Fight Night card, not a PPV card.

What time is Robert Whittaker fighting in Australia?

The broadcast starts at 2am on Sunday, 23 June.

The main card starts at 5am.

Expect Whittaker and Aliskerov to fight at around 7am.

Originally published as Robert Whittaker branded a liar and a “washed up fighter” ahead of main event showdown