Robert Whittaker (left) and Ikram Aliskerov (right)(image via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Ikram Aliskerov was quickly taken out by Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia on Saturday. But, the middleweight doesn’t regret agreeing to face the former middleweight champ.

Alikserov was scheduled to fight Antonio Trocoli the prior weekend at UFC Vegas 93, and Whittaker was booked to face Khamzat Chimaev on June 22nd. After the latter withdrew due to illness, Aliskerov agreed to battle Whittaker in the card’s new, headliner.

Not long into the bout, Whittaker stunned Aliskerov badly with a right-hand and proceeded to finish the fight with follow-up strikes. Since then, the Russian fighter and accomplished Sambo practitioner posted this statement via social media:

“Alhamdulilla, no excuses. I don’t regret anything. It was a big experience against one of the best in the sport. I’m young, I’ll work on my mistakes , learn and get back into business soon. Thank to everyone for support messages.”

Alhamdulilla, no excuses. I don’t regret anything. It was a big experience against one of the best in the sport. I'm young, I'll work on my mistakes , learn and get back into business soon.Thank to everyone for support messages.

— ikram_aliskerov (@ikram_aliskerov) June 23, 2024

The 31-year-old Aliskerov (15-2) had won seven straight fights before facing Whittaker. The only other fighter to defeat Aliskerov to date is the aforementioned, Chimaev.