Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia main event

Chimaev out of UFC Saudi Arabia main event

According to a report from Benny P, Khamzat Chimaev is out of his fight against third-ranked middleweight contender Robert Whittaker in the UFC Saudia Arabia main event on June 22. As of 5:30 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, the promotion hadn’t confirmed the news yet, nor had any major MMA media outlets.

However, Whittaker had an Instagram post earlier today with the message, “Anyone Anywhere Anytime.”

Benny P is also reporting that Ikram Aliskerov (15-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) will replace Chimaev and take on Whittaker next weekend. Aliskerov owns first-round knockout wins over Phil Hawes and Warley Alves in his first two Octagon appearances.

Whittaker (25-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) beat Paulo Costa by unanimous decision at UFC 298 in February.

In other MMA news, Ariel Helwani reported yesterday that Conor McGregor’s UFC 303 showdown vs. Michael Chandler is in limbo. Since McGregor cancelled a UFC 303 press conference in Dublin earlier this month, there’s been rampant speculation that McGregor has sustained an injury or has some sort of issue.

Helwani reported that managers and fighters have been contacted about possibly replacing McGregor against Chandler. He also said that feelers have been sent out about a potential matchup to serve as the show’s main event.

Finally, the UFC 303 might need a new co-main event as well. Jamahal Hill is reportedly injured and might not be able to face Carlos Ulberg.