Whittaker Beat Aliskerov in Riyadh After Chimaev Withdrew
Last updated: 22 October 2026. On 22 June 2024, Kingdom Arena in Riyadh hosted the UFC event at which Robert Whittaker was due to face Khamzat Chimaev. That fight never happened. Chimaev withdrew through illness before the event, and Ikram Aliskerov stepped in as the replacement opponent. Whittaker beat Aliskerov by first round knockout.
Aliskerov stepped in at short notice as the replacement opponent. The replacement meant the advertised Whittaker vs Chimaev contest did not take place at Kingdom Arena on 22 June 2024.
The Riyadh event strengthened the position of Riyadh as a focal point for global sporting events. This report records what actually happened on the night.
What Happened at Kingdom Arena
Robert Whittaker
Robert Whittaker is a seasoned middleweight contender who is known for his strategic fighting style and unwavering resilience. He faced replacement opponent Ikram Aliskerov in Riyadh and won by first round knockout.
Khamzat Chimaev
Khamzat Chimaev was the original opponent for Whittaker, but he withdrew through illness before the event. He did not fight at Kingdom Arena on 22 June 2024.
How the Headline Bout Changed
The change of opponent altered the headline bout completely. Whittaker vs Chimaev did not take place, and Whittaker instead faced Aliskerov at Kingdom Arena. Whittaker won that bout by first round knockout.
Cultural Impact and Global Reach
As UFC made its debut in Saudi Arabia, Kingdom Arena hosted a diverse audience that showcased Riyadh as a growing hub for international sports. The event aligned with the broader objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
The event at Kingdom Arena is recorded as a first round knockout win for Robert Whittaker over Ikram Aliskerov. Khamzat Chimaev withdrew through illness before the event, so the Whittaker vs Chimaev fight itself never happened.