In an action-packed debut event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs Aliskerov showcased a thrilling lineup of preliminary bouts, setting the stage for an epic main event. The event, held in partnership with the Kingdom's General Entertainment Authority (GEA), took place at the Kingdom Arena on June 22, 2024.

The prelims kicked off at 12pm ET/9am PT on ESPN & ESPN+, with the main card scheduled to begin on ABC at 3pm ET/12pm PT. The highly anticipated main event between No.3 ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker and rising star Ikram Aliskerov was set to last for five rounds, while all other bouts were scheduled for three rounds.

The first fight of the night featured ChangHo Lee and Xiao, who battled relentlessly for 15 minutes. Despite a strong start from Xiao, it was Lee who emerged victorious, securing a contract through the Road to UFC tournament and extending his winning streak to four in the bantamweight division.

Magomed Gadzhiyasulov, a member of the DWCS Class of '23, earned a hard-fought majority decision win against fellow graduate Brendson Ribeiro. Despite Ribeiro's early dominance, Gadzhiyasulov showcased resilience and control, displaying his potential in the UFC light heavyweight division.

The bantamweight clash between Muin Gafurov and Kyung Ho Kang delivered an exciting showdown, with both fighters displaying shifts in momentum and utilizing various techniques. In the end, Gafurov secured a clean sweep of the scorecards, claiming his first UFC victory.

In the welterweight division, Rinat Fakhretdinov continued his undefeated run, securing a split decision victory against Danish veteran Nicolas Dalby. Fakhretdinov showcased his grappling skills throughout the fight, maintaining his unbeaten streak and positioning himself as a force to be reckoned with in the welterweight division.

Additionally, Muhammad Naimov faced off against newcomer Felipe Lima in the featherweight division, while Nasrat Haqparast clashed with Jared "Flash" Gordon in an intense lightweight bout.

The UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs Aliskerov prelims witnessed thrilling matchups, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the main card. With the event receiving immense support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the GEA, it marked a significant milestone for the world's premier mixed martial arts organization.

As the action-packed night unfolded, the preliminary bouts showcased the tenacity and skill of these athletes, setting the stage for an unforgettable main event. The stage is now set for Whittaker and Aliskerov to take the center stage and deliver a showstopping showdown in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.