Robert Whittaker Says New Opponent May Be ‘More Dangerous’ Than Khamzat

Robert Whittaker anticipated to combat Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia on Saturday, however will as a substitute face Ikram Aliskerov after Borz was compelled out of the scrap with an sickness that hospitalized him. So, a lot simpler combat, proper?!

Not so quick … in accordance with 33-year-old Whittaker himself!

“I am thankful for [Aliskerov] to step up to the plate to fight, and a lot of fans probably don’t know how dangerous this guy is. And, in a lot of ways, this guy is more dangerous than Chimaev was, especially mentality-wise, because he has nothing to lose and only everything to gain,” Robert advised TMZ Sports activities earlier this week.

He continued … “Skill set-wise, he’s a dangerous guy. And, I understand the threat he brings. And, I’m going to meet that. I’m going to take the fight to him come Saturday.”

Whereas Khamzat could be undefeated (13-0), Ikram’s file is not too shabby.

In reality, his solely profession defeat got here by the hands of Chimaev again in 2019 — earlier than both was signed to the UFC (they fought in a promotion known as Courageous CF 23). KC gained by knockout.

Each Robert and Ikram are coming off wins. Whittaker beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298 … and Aliskerov a victory versus Warlley Alves at UFC 294.

We additionally requested RW concerning the choice to take the combat. In any case, he is ranked third, whereas IA is not ranked … arguably a giant danger for Whittaker have been he to lose.

“Mate, it’s my job. This is what I get paid to do. This is what I do. This is how I provide for my family this is yeah this is what the job entails.”

As for having to now practice for a brand new opponent with a unique fashion … Whittaker ain’t nervous.

“I just lean on my experience. I’ve been doing this for a long time. I’ve got a lot of fights under my belt. And, that’s what makes these transitions as easy as can be. You know, I can fall back on a decade of training and fights to see me through.”