ABU DHABI – In just his second UFC fight, Ikram Aliskerov already finds himself connected to top middleweight contenders Paulo Costa and Khamzat Chimaev. Aliskerov, who finished Phil Hawes in his UFC debut, was initially booked to fight Costa in July, but the fight fell through due to contract issues. Aliskerov then faced Nassourine Imaov at UFC 294, but visa problems led to Warlley Alves stepping in as a replacement. Aliskerov made quick work of Alves, securing a first-round finish. During a post-fight news conference, Aliskerov expressed uncertainty about fighting Costa again, citing concerns about his opponent’s history of pulling out of fights. Aliskerov also wasn’t surprised when Costa withdrew from the bout against Chimaev due to a staph infection. Despite the setbacks, Aliskerov remains open to facing Costa in the future. For more information on UFC 294, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub.
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Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.