Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (26-7) and the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) will attempt to share the Octagon at the second time of trying at UFC 308 this year in Abu Dhabi.
The pair were previously lined up to headline the promotion's debut event in Saudi Arabia this past June. On short notice, however, Chimaev withdrew from the Kingdom Arena-held card after suffering from an illness.
In his place stepped in Ikram Aliskerov, who was emphatically knocked out in the first round by "The Reaper." While some suggested the Australian could be in line for another shot at regaining the belt next, he'll have to keep his focus on "Borz" first.
Their rearranged middleweight matchup was announced by UFC CEO Dana White in a video on social media. It will be a five-round co-main event, with a featherweight title fight between champ Ilia Topuria and BMF titleholder Max Holloway headlining.
With White's recent announcement, the current fights expected to take place at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi on October 26 are as follows:
- Ilia Topuria (C) vs. Max Holloway (featherweight championship main event)
- Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev (middleweight co-main event)
- Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakić (light heavyweight)
- Lerone Murphy vs. Dan Ige (featherweight)
- Ciryl Gane vs. Alexander Volkov (heavyweight)
- Rinat Fakhretdinov vs. Nursulton Ruziboev (welterweight)
- Marcos Rogério de Lima vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (heavyweight)