Report – UFC on ABC: Whittaker vs Aliskerov

After a hectic build-up that saw Robert Whittaker's scheduled opponent Khamzat Chimaev drop out over illness, both Whittaker and his new opponent, Iskram Aliskerov, were seeking an opportunity to step into the spotlight from the overshadowing drama.

The entrances couldn't be more different. Aliskerov came out solemnly, as if contemplating the biggest moment of his career. The veteran Whittaker was amped, repeatedly slapping the Southern Cross on his chest as he had done many times before.

The bell rang and after a brief minute of feeling each other out, the man affectionately known as "Bobby Knuckles," rocked Aliskerov with an overhand right just as the commentators were praising Aliskerov for his precipitous ascent in the UFC.

He hit a staggered Aliskerov with a jab. Then another. Then a head kick. The fatal blow came with an uppercut that laid the Russian out on the canvas.

Currently, Whittaker has two losses since becoming champion in 2017 – Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis. Those two face off in a title match at UFC 305 on August 18 in Perth, Australia. In his post-fight comments with Daniel Cormier, Whittaker reiterated his previous suggestion to be there as a backup fighter.

Whether Whittaker can redeem himself against those two on that date or in the future, tonight, he reminded everyone that he is one of the best, if not the best, in the world.

FULL CARD RESULTS

185 – Robert Whittaker def Ikram Aliskerov — KO (uppercut)

205+ – Alexander Volkov def Sergei Pavlovich — Decision (unanimous)

185 – Kelvin Gastelum def Daniel Rodriguez — Decision (unanimous)

185 – Sharabutdin Magomedov def Antonio Trócoli — TKO (knees and punches)

205 – Volkan Oezdemirdef Johnny Walker — KO (punches)

155 – Nasrat Haqparast def Jared Gordon – Decision (split)

145 – Felipe Lima def Muhammad Naimov — Submission (rear-naked choke)

170 – Rinat Fakhretdinov def Nicolas Dalby — Decision (split)

135 – Muin Garurov def Kang Kyung-Ho – Decision (unanimous)

205 – Magomed Gadzhiyasulov def Brendson Ribeiro — Decision (majority)

135 – Lee Chang-ho def Xiao Long — Decision (split)