Veteran middleweight Robert Whittaker has acknowledged Ikram Aliskerov for stepping up at short notice to replace Khamzat Chimaev for their upcoming fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. However, Whittaker’s gratitude towards Aliskerov ends there as he shifts his focus towards the fight and now aims to take his Russian opponent’s head off in the Octagon.
Whittaker expressed his gratitude for the quick adjustments made by UFC officials and his team to ensure that the fight goes on despite the change in opponent. He highlighted the importance of being able to adapt to such situations in the fight game and emphasized the significance of being able to continue his career and provide for his family through such opportunities.
With his extensive experience in the Octagon, Whittaker feels confident in his ability to face Aliskerov despite the short notice and change in game plan. He believes in his skill sets and his ability to lead the fight in the direction that favors his strengths, showcasing his adaptability and readiness to take on any challenge thrown his way.
Acknowledging the need to make some tweaks in his game plan due to the change in opponent, Whittaker remains focused on utilizing his skills and experience to overcome the challenge. He stressed the importance of working with what he is given and emphasized his readiness to face any opponent with the same level of preparation and determination.
Whittaker recognizes the threat that Aliskerov poses, especially considering the relatively unknown status of his opponent in the UFC. Despite the lack of extensive footage to study, Whittaker remains focused on implementing his game plan and assessing how his opponent responds, showcasing his confidence in his abilities and his willingness to overcome any challenge.
With his sights set on a potential third shot at the middleweight title, Whittaker is determined to showcase his full potential in the upcoming fight. Despite his impressive performance in his last fight against Paulo Costa, Whittaker believes he has more to offer and is eager to secure a victory that could pave the way for another title opportunity in the future.
As he enters the final week leading up to the fight, Whittaker remains focused on his routine and preparations, viewing it as just another day at the office. With his experience and past fights guiding him, Whittaker is confident in his approach and readiness to face Ikram Aliskerov in the Octagon, aiming to deliver a strong performance and ultimately emerge victorious in the upcoming showdown.
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