UFC on ABC 6: Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov 6/22/24 – As the UFC returns to ABC with its 6th installment, a highly anticipated middleweight showdown is set to captivate fight enthusiasts. Former champion Robert Whittaker faces the rising star, Ikram Aliskerov, in a bout that promises fireworks. Whittaker enters the ring with a professional record of 26-7-0, showcasing his vast experience and resilience in the octagon. Aliskerov, with a record of 15-1-0, brings a fresh challenge with his aggressive style and quick finishes. As UFC fans search for UFC winning free picks, this matchup offers intriguing angles both from a competitive and betting perspective.
UFC on ABC 6: Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov 6/22/24
| When: | Saturday, June 22, 2024 | Time: 3:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Kingdom Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | UFC Fight Pass |
Whittaker vs. Aliskerov Odds
| Fighter | Odds | Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Robert Whittaker | -170 | Ikram Aliskerov | +145 |
The current betting line gives Robert Whittaker a definite edge, but one must remember that he is up against a dangerous opponent in Aliskerov, even if the latter is not a household name. The -170 odds about Whittaker can be considered more likely to bring the win thanks to his background and previous successes in the demanding battles. Aliskerov is followed by +145, making him a worthy option for the bettor seeking a high yield on an outsider who is capable of shocking the favorite.
Main Card
Robert Whittaker
The 185-pound contender, Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker will be entering the octagon with a huge experience advantage over his up and coming opponent and silky smooth movement which enables him to use his kicks effectively. Thus, with the record of 26-7-0, one can state that he can handle the pressure of the big fight rather well. Averaging 4.57 significant strikes per minute and a striking accuracy of 42%, Whittaker can work on exchanges on the feet; however, his defensive skills, a reinforced 59% strike defense rate, are what makes him hard to defeat. Grappling is also a highlight here, particularly in the takedown defense of 82%. His last victory over Costa shows that Whittaker can be a competitor against the best and thus he is no push over.
Ikram Aliskerov
Ikram Aliskerov is characterized by a completely opposite playing style and tactics. He has set 15-1-0 and has been noted to possess explosive power as well as speed where the average time of his fight is under two minutes. Aliskerov scores an average of 8.24 significant strikes in every minute with 65% efficiency showing the pressurizing nature as well as the capacity to force the pace of the fight on the rivals. Still, the stand out of strike absorption at 7.15 and a defense rate of only 36% shows possible frailties against a tactical striker such as Whittaker. His grappling stats include 2.33 takedown and 2.3 submission successes in 15 minutes but with no definite takedown defense that can be a major let down against a strong opponent.
Whittaker vs. Aliskerov Betting Numbers
| Record | 26-7-0 | 15-1-0 |
| Last Fight | Win | Win |
| Country | Australia | Russia |
| Height | 6′ 0″ | 6′ 0″ |
| Weight (lbs) | 185 | 185 |
| Reach (in) | 73″ | 76″ |
| Win by KO/TKO | 36% | 40% |
| Win by Submission | 20% | 33% |
| Decisions | 44% | 27% |
| Strikes landed per minute | 4.57 | 8.24 |
| Striking accuracy | 42% | 65% |
| Striking absorbed per minute | 3.45 | 7.15 |
| Striking defense | 59% | 36% |
| Takedown average | 0.81 | 2.33 |
| Takedown accuracy | 38% | 33% |
| Takedown defense | 82% | 0% |
| Submission average | 0.0 | 2.3 |
Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov Summary
The fight between Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov can be described as a meeting of a true veteran and a newcomer that can potentially become a star of the organization. Due to Whittaker’s capacity to control fights over the distance and his defense, he stands well against the power puncher Aliskerov. Aliskerov has great striking, but there are issues with his defense, primarily on the ground, and he might have trouble against a wise veteran like Whittaker.
Finally, it is possible to note that Whittaker is the favorite of this fight due to his experience and four-quadrant skills while the definite finisher in the cage is Aliskerov. For those punters seeking out the premier betting sites, there’s simply no argument over the fact that Whittaker presents a far safer punt and one with far more layers at his disposal. However, for someone who expects a more volatile or high variance match-up maybe, Aliskerov’s attacking style of play can be alluring. This bout is still an open one and could easily turn in favor of the other with a single strike or a takedown, and thus I have it marginally in favor of Whittaker.
