You don’t get these opportunities all the time. Ikram Aliskerov stands just a win away from a potential title shot against the winner of Dricus du Plessis vs Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 as he takes on former Champion Robert Whittaker this weekend in Saudi Arabia.
Aliskerov, 31, is currently unranked in the 185 lbs division, so when the opportunity to fight Whittaker arrived at the Dagestani fighter’s doorstep, he wasted no time signing the contract. Before this, the Reaper was scheduled to take on Khamzat Chimaev. However, that fight fell through after Chimaev pulled out of the fight due to medical reasons.
Speaking to Red Corner MMA, Ikram Aliskerov shared his thoughts on the match-up and also revealed the conversation he had with former lightweight champion and fellow Dagestani fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Ikram Aliskerov says Khabib Nurmagomedov advised him to seize the opportunity
While Aliskerov did not go into detail regarding Khabib‘s advise on fighting Whittaker, he did reveal that the former champion was ecstatic about the opportunity and advised him to take the fight as well. “You can’t miss these chances.” He further added, “pay attention because he is a striker. Be attentive and everything will work out.”
Aliskerov and Nurmagomedov are close, however, he wasn’t too sure that the Eagle will join him in Saudi Arabia for the fight. “I don’t think so. They’re all tired after Islam’s camp.”
Ikram Aliskerov’s history as one of the toughest opponent in Khamzat’s career, his Dagestani roots and grappling credentials, and the fact that he has two back-to-back stoppage wins since getting the UFC contract after submission win at Dana White‘s Contender Series, makes him a formidable and an exciting opponent for any fighter.
No wonder, he was also scheduled to take on Paulo Costa at one point. Be that as it may, once again he finds himself in a very good position, and a victory against Robert Whittaker can definitely do wonders for the surging middleweight contender.