Khamzat Chimaev provokes Robert Whittaker in a message for his rival, moments after Ikram Aliskerov’s defeat at UFC Saudi Arabia

What a day for Robert Whittaker! The former middleweight champion moves closer to the middleweight title by stunning Ikram A͏͏l͏isk͏e͏r͏o͏v in the very first round to clinch the victory. Whittaker knocked out A͏͏l͏isk͏e͏r͏o͏v in the first round, at 1:49 with a deft uppercut. Whittaker’s spectacular victory had the entire MMA community buzzing, including his former opponent, Khamzat Chimaev.

“Borz” was supposed to face Whittaker to headline the event in Saudi Arabia, but the dream match couldn’t come true as Chimaev contacted an unknown illness that forced him to leave the clash and Dana White had to take down A͏͏l͏isk͏e͏r͏o͏v as a replacement. As Whittaker picked up the victory, Chimaev showed up to challenge the former champion again.

Khamzat Chimaev calls out Robert Whittaker moments after his victory

Robert Whittaker is now the number one contender for the middleweight title. The former middleweight champion will now face either Israel Adesanya or Dricus Du Plessis for the “185” pound belt. Khamzat Chimaev could have been in Whittaker’s place if his body had allowed it, but fate had other plans. Regardless, his illness did not take away his desire to become champion.

Khamzat Chimaev challenged the former middleweight champion just moments after his victory. ‘Borz took to his social media account and wrote: “Congratulations @robwhittakermma, we’re not done! I wish you a speedy recovery @ikram_aliskerov keep your head up my brother.

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