A historic event televised on ABC is set for this Saturday from Saudi Arabia on the UFC fight schedule. The main event is now Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov due to Khamzat Chimaev pulling out a couple of weeks ago because of illness. How close of a fight will this be? How should you bet on it?
Read more for the official Whittaker vs Aliskerov betting analysis and prediction ahead of placing any UFC bets this weekend.
Whittaker vs Aliskerov Fight Information
Robert Whittaker vs Ikram Aliskerov
Location: Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Date & Time: June 22, 2024. 3 PM ET Main card start
Where to watch: ABC, ESPN+
Whittaker vs Aliskerov Picks
- Pick: Whittaker to win by unanimous decision +325
Consider Professional Help: If you struggle with sports gambling, seek professional call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit NCPG website
Sponsored Ad
Last Fight Record
Whittaker is coming off an impressive unanimous decision win over Paulo Costa at UFC 298 in February.
Aliskerov is returning to the octagon after beating Warlly Alves via first-round TKO at UFC 294 last October.
Whittaker vs Aliskerov Betting Analysis
Seasoned Veteran: Whittaker Aims to Regain Title Shot
Whittaker is an Australian mixed martial artist with a professional record of 25-7, including 9 TKO/KO victories and 5 submissions. He is a former interim and undisputed UFC middleweight champion and is currently the #3 ranked middleweight contender. He also has collected 8 post-fight bonuses in his UFC career.
Standing 6’0″ tall with a 73″ reach, Whittaker is a 33-year-old orthodox fighter. He averages 4.57 significant strikes landed per minute in the octagon and absorbs just 3.45 with a 59% striking defense. He also mixes in 0.81 takedowns per 15 minutes and holds a solid 82% takedown defense in the octagon.
Takedown Artist Too? Early Numbers Hint at Aggressive Style
Aliskerov is a Russian mixed martial artist with a professional MMA record of 15-1, including 6 TKO/KO wins and 5 submissions. His only loss has been to Khamzat Chimaev in Brave CF in 2019. Aliskerov is a Master of Sport in Combat Sambo and has won multiple world championships.
Aliskerov brings a 6’0″ frame and a 76″ reach to the octagon, fighting southpaw at 31. In only a couple of fights in the octagon, he averages a whopping 8.24 significant strikes landed per minute–but those numbers are inflated with such little time spent in the cage. He also averages 2.33 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Updates
UFC and ESPN confirm all fighters are healthy for the upcoming event.
Sponsored Ad
Whittaker vs Aliskerov Betting Preview
The Whittaker vs Aliskerov betting analysis needs to consist of a breakdown of UFC betting lines and stylistic matchups in the octagon. We discuss both of these in detail to arrive at a prediction for any of the upcoming UFC fights on any given weekend.
According to the available UFC odds, Whittaker is heading into the weekend as a slight betting favorite at -155. Aliskerov is the +135 underdog and that line is trending closer together as the week goes by. This fight’s at -220 to end early, so expect a knockout or submission.
This is a very interesting stylistic matchup between an orthodox and a southpaw with unique skill sets. Taken on just 2 weeks’ notice, this fight becomes even more interesting.
Whittaker is an experienced fighter with plenty of big fights under his belt at the highest level, Aliskerov is not. Aliskerov has the Combat Sambo skills that we have seen with many UFC fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev.
To secure victory, Whittaker needs to utilize his entire skillset. The speed and timing from the outside, darting in and out with stinging straight shots. Along with well-timed grappling using the clinch and even takedowns at the end of rounds to steal them on the scorecards.
Aliskerov needs to be aggressive as he is probably not in 25-minute condition and will need to change the fight early on to get a good chance of beating the crafty former champion.
Whittaker vs Aliskerov Betting Prediction
After looking at the UFC betting lines and forming the Whittaker vs Aliskerov betting analysis, our official prediction for this main event in Saudi Arabia is Robert Whittaker winning by unanimous decision.
The footwork and striking from the outside for Whittaker is going to be what controls the pace of this fight for him. He will be able to control the fight for all 5 rounds and even potentially win all 5 on the judges’ scorecards. This is a very tough fight, though, especially on short notice.
More Related News
- New Jersey Devils vs Toronto Maple Leafs Betting Analysis and Prediction
- 2023 NHL Playoffs: Dallas Stars vs. Minnesota Wild Betting Analysis and Picks
- AC Milan vs Inter Milan Stats and Trends
- Los Angeles Clippers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Betting Analysis and Prediction
- Phoenix Mercury vs Las Vegas Aces Picks & Parlays
Gambling Can Be Addictive: If you or someone you know has a sports gambling problem, seek help visit NCPG website.
If you love sports and want more sports betting information follow us as @InsidersBetDig on Twitter . Sign up to our mailing list for free betting picks. Make sure to visit the best offshore betting sites to maximize your betting experience.
