Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker set as UFC Saudi Arabia main event, 4 more fights announced

Khamzat Chimaev faces Robert Whittaker in a middleweight No. 1 contender’s bout to headline the inaugural UFC card in Saudi Arabia on June 22.

UFC CEO Dana White introduced the principle occasion together with 4 extra fights booked for UFC Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night time. The occasion airs on ABC in the USA.

Along with Chimaev vs. Whittaker, Sergei Pavlovich returns to motion in opposition to Alexander Volkov in a heavyweight co-main occasion.

Kelvin Gastelum additionally faces Daniel Rodriguez in a welterweight showdown, whereas Johnny Walker returns to motion in opposition to Volkan Oezdemir.

The ultimate introduced Saudi Arabia combat pits Sharabutdin Magomedov — higher referred to as Shara Bullet — in opposition to Ihor Potieria in a lightweight heavyweight matchup.

The occasion marks the beginning of a brand new relationship between the UFC and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which extends the promotion’s attain within the Center East following a longstanding partnership with Abu Dhabi as effectively.

The principle occasion sees Chimaev compete for the primary time since edging out former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a back-and-forth battle this previous October. Chimaev maintains an ideal 13-0 file, together with seven consecutive wins within the UFC.

He’ll face his hardest take a look at thus far when he faces a former middleweight champion in Whittaker, who’s coming off a formidable victory over Paulo Costa in his final outing.

Extra fights are anticipated to be introduced for UFC Saudi Arabia within the coming weeks.