In an unprecedented event, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) made its inaugural trip to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday night, June 22, 2024. The highly anticipated "Whittaker vs. Aliskerov" headline fight took place at the Kingdom Arena, treating fans to a thrilling showdown that ended in a first-round knockout.

Robert Whittaker emerged as the biggest winner of the night, showcasing his dominance inside the Octagon. Despite taking a last-minute fight, Whittaker proved his mettle by delivering a devastating uppercut that left Ikram Aliskerov no chance to recover. The victory solidified Whittaker's position in the promotion and rekindled hopes of reclaiming the championship title. A potential matchup against Sean Strickland could pave the way for a shot at the coveted belt.

Runner-up honors went to Volkan Oezdemir, who demonstrated his resurgence after securing a resounding first-round knockout against Johnny Walker. Oezdemir's recent string of victories has revitalized his chances of climbing the rankings and potentially earning a title shot. The impressive win sets him up for future success and an opportunity to make a significant impact in the division.

Adding to the night's excitement, Lima delivered an outstanding performance with a victorious rear-naked choke over Muhammad Naimov. The Brazilian fighter accepted the fight on short notice and even moved up a weight class. Despite some moments of slowdown, Lima's resilience and tenacity shone through in the third round, as he secured the fight-ending submission. The win not only extended his remarkable win streak to 13, it also earned him a well-deserved $50,000 bonus.

However, there were some disappointment and concern for Johnny Walker, who suffered his second consecutive knockout loss at the hands of Oezdemir. Walker's previous three-fight win streak seemed like a thing of the past as he struggled to find his footing in recent bouts. With a winless streak of three fights, the Brazilian fighter now faces immense pressure to turn his career around and avoid another devastating loss in his next outing.

The historic UFC event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, proved to be an exciting and action-packed night for fans. With Whittaker's impressive victory, Oezdemir's resurgence, and Lima's stunning performance, the event showcased the immense talent within the promotion. As the Octagon made its mark in the Kingdom Arena, it promises a bright future for MMA enthusiasts in the region.

For a comprehensive recap of the exciting fights and highlights from the UFC Saudi Arabia event, click here to catch up on all the action.

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