The UFC Saudi Arabia event is set to entertain the UFC fans at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh on June 22, 2024. It is going to be headlined by the middleweight fight between the former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov. Whittaker was initially booked to fight Khamzat Chimaev, who had to pull out from the bout citing medical reasons. Similarly, Aliskerov was supposed to fight Antonio Trocoli at UFC Vegas 93. However, after ‘Borz’ withdrew, the promotion decided to put Aliskerov against Whittaker to save UFC’s debut in Saudi Arabia. 

This fight will not just give the audience an entertaining night, but the fighters will get a lot of money for their contribution. Let’s get to know about their lucrative sums for the high-stake middleweight bout.

What is Robert Whittaker’s payout at UFC Fight Night: Saudi Arabia?

Whittaker has had a roller-coaster ride in the UFC lately as he lost to Dricus Du Plessis by a second-round KO at UFC 290 but followed it up with a victory against Paulo Costa at UFC 298 via unanimous decision. As per the reports, Whittaker is supposed to make at least $250K for featuring on the Fight Night card. According to MMA Salaries, he received  $300,000 as a base salary and $16,000 sponsorship for the UFC 290 fight. Meanwhile, his pay reached up to almost $400K, including the bonus for winning the bout at UFC 298.

The Whittaker and Aliskerov fight is particularly significant because of its higher stakes and its status as the main event for the inaugural in Saudi Arabia. Whittaker, who is ranked #3 in the middleweight division, might be in contention for the title shot if he wins this bout. This fight is for $250k, with a 30 to 70 split for Whittaker. He is expected to earn $175k.

Aliskerov, on the other hand, is ranked outside the top 15 in the division, so let’s see what he will be getting for this fight.

Ikram Aliskerov’s salary for accepting a short-notice fight against ‘The Reaper’

Aliskerov received $104,000 for UFC 294 and this is his only earning that was made public. As he is now accepting a short-notice fight, we can expect a significant increase from his last UFC salary. A victory over Whittaker can make him reach the upper ranks in the middleweight division. Ikram Aliskerov last defeated Warlley Alves in a first-round TKO in UFC 294. 

Since this is UFC’s first fight in Saudi Arabia and is also a headliner, it will mark a greater payout for both the athletes. Many view this as the biggest fight for Aliskerov, who is ranked below the top 15 and this can give him an upper position. He took the challenge on short notice against The Reaper so he is expected to be paid very well.

With Chimaev having pulled out of the fight, Whittaker might get paid more and Aliskerov also has a good chance of payment. However, Whittaker is in a no-win position since his opponent is three fights old, so The Reaper will not raise his rank. Who do you think will win in Saudi Arabia? Let us know your pick in the comments below.