Chimaev v Whittaker will headline Saudi Arabia’s inaugural UFC card

Khamzat Chimaev’s much anticipated bout with Robert Whittaker will headline the UFC’s inaugural fight night in Saudi Arabia on June 22.

The undefeated Chimaev will be aiming to preserve his 13-0 record against former middleweight champion Whittaker as the UFC spreads its wings into the kingdom for the first time.

Chechen-born Chimaev has not fought since defeating Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi last October that saw the 29-yearold win via a split decision.

Next up will be 33-year-old Whittaker – who holds a 26-7 record – whose last fight ended in victory, a unanimous decision win over Paulo Costa in California last month.

UFC chief executive said the winner of this middleweight eliminator will then face reigning champion – South Africa’s Dricus du Plessis – later this year.

New Zealand-born Whittaker, who was beaten by Du Plessis in Las Vegas last summer after a second-round stoppage, said on social media of his next bout: “Once more into the fray.”

When asked recently on the MMArcade podcast about the potential clash with Chimaev, Whittaker said: “I’m looking forward to the fight. I understand he’s a hard fighter. He likes to grapple a lot. He uses his reach and range to good effectiveness. He’s got knockout power.”

White also announced four other bouts in addition to Chimaev v Whittaker, with Sergei Pavlovich facing Alexander Volkov in an all-Russian heavyweight contest which will also be the co-main event.

Kelvin Gastelum will take on Daniel Rodriguez in a welterweight showdown, while Johnny Walker returns to action against Volkan Oezdemir, while Sharabutdin Magomedov – better known as Shara Bullet – clashes with Ihor Potieria in a light-heavyweight match-up.

It will be second major MMA event to take place in Saudi Arabia after the Professional Fighters League held their inaugural fight night in Riyadh in February.