Robert Whittaker's First-Round Knockout Headlines UFC's Saudi Arabia Debut

Whittaker defeats Ikram Aliskerov in 1:49, solidifying his position as the top middleweight contender.

Whittaker was initially set to fight Khamzat Chimaev, who withdrew due to illness.
The UFC replaced Chimaev with Aliskerov, a rising star with only one prior loss.
Whittaker's victory reaffirms his readiness to face the winner of Adesanya vs. Du Plessis.
The fight marked the UFC's inaugural event in Saudi Arabia, aiming to rival Las Vegas as a fight hub.
Chimaev congratulated Whittaker and hinted at a future showdown.