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UFC: Adesanya tips Whittaker to beat Aliskerov
Former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is confident Robert Whittaker will defeat Ikram Aliskerov, who is currently a rising talent.
Khamzat Chimaev was scheduled to face Whittaker, but UFC CEO Dana White has confirmed that 'Borz' will not be competing in the main event in Saudi Arabia.
White emphasised Chimaev's illness and wished for his recovery. Following the announcement, photos of the 30-year-old from when he withdrew from the Whittaker competition have surfaced on social media.
A person close to Chimaev posted a photo to social media that purported to depict "Borz" lying in a hospital bed.
But the show must go on, because Aliskerov will now substitute in at the last minute and take on the Australian superstar. The Russian middleweight contender enters the match fresh off a TKO triumph over Warlley Alves at UFC 294 in October of last year.
"The Last Stylebender" has faced Whittaker twice and is quite familiar with his style of fighting. In the rematch, Adesanya prevailed through knockout in 2019 to take the middleweight title. The New Zealander won the series 2-0, defeating "The Reaper" by decision despite the rematch being a little closer.
Whittaker enters the fight against Aliskerov fresh off a polished victory over Paulo Costa earlier this year. Whittaker lost to the current middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, last year, but he bounced back.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Adesanya discussed his thoughts about Saudi Arabia's upcoming major event. Despite Aliskerov's toughness, "The Last Stylebender" believes Whittaker will prevail this coming weekend.