We finally have the headliner for UFC’s maiden event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Middle Eastern nation will get to witness a middleweight bout in the main event with Khamzat Chimaev squaring off against former champion Robert Whittaker. Meanwhile, parallel reports have emerged that the discussion surrounding Dricus du Plessis‘ next title defense is ongoing behind the scenes. And to top it all off, the promotion announced they will be returning to Australia for UFC 305. With these new developments, the muddied waters of the UFC middleweight division are clearing, and a new title picture is taking shape.

Saudi Arabia recently hosted UFC’s rival promotion’s ‘PFL vs. Bellator‘ event at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. The event made for some memorable moments, including a 21-second knockout in the main event. But now, it’s Dana White‘s turn. After his previous card for the Saudi event was rejected, the UFC CEO made it clear he was planning to put on a show for the crowd with his recent announcement.

Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker for Fight Night in Riyadh

The UFC is going guns blazing with a blockbuster matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker. Chimaev’s middleweight return at UFC 294 did not impress the fans as much as he would have wanted. Kamaru Usman was able to hold his own, but succumbed to a loss by decision. Now, he will take on Whittaker, a top-5 fighter and a former champion, and surely, it won’t be a cakewalk for the Emirati star.

People started raising doubts about Robert Whittaker’s credibility after the knockout loss against the now-champion, Dricus du Plessis. However, he came back with a strong performance against former title challenger, Paulo Costa, and earned a decision win. Hence, it will be interesting to see a former champion square off against an undefeated fighter. Meanwhile, this fight has cleared the uncertainty surrounding the title picture, as du Plessis may have his biggest UFC fight against the former 2-time champion, Israel Adesanya in the summer.

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UFC in talks for Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya fight

‘Stillknocks’ and ‘Izzy’ almost came to blows at UFC 290 when they faced off following the South African’s KO win over Whittaker. That was the fight to make, but it fell through with Dricus du Plessis’s injury. Nevertheless, the matchmakers had kept an eye on the matchup, and according to Israel Adesanya’s coach, Eugene Bareman, UFC is currently engaged in talks regarding the bout.

“Israel will be fighting for the title next. The date, I’m not sure. Give us a date and we’ll take it. We’re sitting ready to go,” Eugene Bareman told ‘NZ Herald‘. He also mentioned he was surprised that ‘Izzy’ did not get a call from Dana White for UFC 300. However, Adesanya may get the chance to fight in a crowd-favorable venue when the promotion returns to Down Under for UFC 305.

On the other hand, there has been no confirmation regarding what’s next for Sean Strickland, or if he will get a rematch. But given Israel Adesanya’s popularity and the UFC going to Australia, ‘Izzy’ is more likely to edge past the ever-vocal Strickland for the title rematch that he hasn’t received yet.

Team Conor McGregor Goes Off at Khamzat Chimaev After Robert Whittaker Fight Gets Confirmed by Dana White for UFC Saudi Arabia