UFC Saudi Arabia Odds, Picks & Predictions: Robert Whittaker vs Ikram Aliskerov & More

• UFC heads to the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 22 for an exciting fight card
• Former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker faces rising prospect Ikram Aliskerov in the main event
•  Read below for full UFC Saudi Arabia odds, predictions & picks, plus how to watch

UFC is heading to the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia this Saturday, June 22 for an excellent fight card headlined by a middleweight clash between former champion Robert Whittaker and rising prospect Ikram Aliskerov.

Let’s break down the biggest fights of the night and give you our best bets and predictions for UFC Saudi Arabia.

UFC Saudi Arabia Odds- Main Card

In the UFC Saudi Arabia odds, Shara Magomedov is a large -535 favorite in his bout with Antonio Trocoli. He’s the heaviest favorite on the main card by a wide margin, boasting a 93.1% implied probability of winning on Saturday.

The main card kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on ABC, with prelims starting at noon ET on ESPN and ESPN+.

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UFC Fight Night odds as of June. 12, at DraftKings Sportsbook. Check out the best sports betting app for UFC Vegas 302.

Whittaker vs Aliskerov Prediction

In the main event, Robert Whittaker looks to continue his climb back to title contention against short-notice replacement Ikram Aliskerov. Whittaker was originally scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev before illness forced him out.

Whittaker rebounded from losing the title to Israel Adesanya with an impressive win over Paulo Costa in February. The Australian’s technical striking, speed and experience make him a formidable foe for anyone at 185 pounds. However, Aliskerov presents some intriguing challenges.

Just showing the numerous ways Robert Whittaker used his jab against Paulo Costa pic.twitter.com/zFOGpXA3VJ

— Miguel Class (@MigClass) June 17, 2024

The Russian is a powerhouse grappler with heavy hands. He’s finished his first two UFC opponents in the first round. Aliskerov took this fight on short notice and is stepping up in competition, but his well-rounded skillset could pose problems for Whittaker.

Ultimately, I believe Whittaker’s veteran savvy will be the difference. He has the striking to pick apart Aliskerov on the feet and the takedown defense to keep it standing. Aliskerov’s best path to victory is catching Whittaker early, but the former champ is too smart to get caught. Give me Whittaker to win by fourth-round TKO in an exciting fight.

• Pick: Robert Whittaker (-155)

Walker vs Oezdemir Pick

The main card opener is a light heavyweight banger between explosive strikers  and Volkan Oezdemir. Both men are looking to climb into title contention in a wide-open division.

Walker is one of the most athletic fighters at 205 pounds. His unorthodox, unpredictable style makes him a threat to finish the fight at any moment. However, his aggressiveness can also leave him vulnerable defensively at times.

Jamahal Hill knocked out Johnny Walker so badly that it looked fake #UFCSaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/kJoR6c0ax1

— Jon Kelly (@JonKellyDFS) June 18, 2024

Oezdemir is a more technical, methodical kickboxer. He’ll look to keep Walker at range with leg kicks and counter-strikes. The Swiss fighter has been in there with the best of the division and his experience could be key.

I lean towards Oezdemir’s more disciplined approach being effective against Walker. As long as he avoids getting clipped by something crazy, Oezdemir should be able to outpoint the Brazilian over 15 minutes. It’ll be a tight one, but I like Oezdemir’s chances of getting his hand raised.

• Pick: Volkan Oezdemir (-115)

Quick Picks and Predictions

Here are my other picks for UFC Saudi Arabia:

• Nasrat Haqparast (-240) vs. Jared Gordon – Haqparast’s speed, power, and technical striking should be too much for Gordon. The German fighter has the advantage in athleticism and youth, making him a solid favorite.
• Rinat Fakhretdinov (-340) vs. Nicolas Dalby – Fakhretdinov’s strong wrestling and grappling skills give him a clear path to victory against Dalby. The Russian should be able to control the fight on the ground and secure a decision win.
• Muin Gafurov (-155) vs. Kyung Ho Kang – Gafurov’s powerful striking and aggressive style make him a tough matchup for Kang. While the Korean fighter has good submissions, Gafurov’s heavy hands and pressure should lead him to a stoppage victory.
• Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (-345) vs. Brendson Ribeiro