05/11/2024

Flashback! Watch Khamzat Destroy Aliskerov Via One-Punch KO

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Flashback! Watch Khamzat Destroy Aliskerov Via One-Punch KO

Five years ago, Khamzat Chimaev knocked out Ikram Aliskerov to remain undefeated in Jordan. Now, Aliskerov replaces Chimaev opposite Robert Whittaker, snagging his former foe’s golden opportunity to secure a Middleweight title shot.

Five years ago, Khamzat Chimaev knocked out Ikram Aliskerov to remain undefeated in Jordan. Now, Aliskerov replaces Chimaev opposite Robert Whittaker, snagging his former foe’s golden opportunity to secure a Middleweight title shot.

The careers of Khamzat Chimaev and Ikram Aliskerov are inextricably linked.

The two crossed paths in April 2019 while fighting for the Brave CF promotion in Amman, Jordan. The 180-pound catchweight bout can be watched in full above, but the short version is this: the bout didn’t go very well for Aliskerov. The Combat Sambo world champion was stunned by the jab of Chimaev on a couple occasions, and though he did defend several of Chimaev’s takedown attempts, a “Borz” uppercut turned off the lights.

Now, losing to Chimaev is no knock on Aliskerov, it’s simply a case of two very talented prospects colliding on the regional scene. Sometimes, that history produces a rematch years later on a much bigger stage, but this turn of fate is decidedly odder.

Just about a week ago, Chimaev was forced to withdraw from his planned UFC Saudi Arabia main event versus Robert Whittaker. Once again, Chimaev went down with a mystery illness, and no further details are available. Aliskerov, meanwhile, was pulled from his planned match up vs. Antonio Trocoli at the UFC Apex a week earlier to replace the unwell Chechen.

It’s a shocking turn of events. Chimaev is still undefeated and has — had? — all the hype behind him, but his inconsistency in the last couple years has really halted his would-be rise to gold. We’ve been talking about his potential title shot for years now, but he’s not really getting any closer.

Aliskerov, meanwhile, gets to swoop in on a massive opportunity after just two UFC victories. If he can upset “The Reaper,” Aliskerov will likely end up ranked ahead of Chimaev and in better position to score a title shot.

We’ll find out in mere hours at UFC Saudi Arabia.

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