Robert Whittaker vs. Ikram Aliskerov wallet and payouts: estimated earnings of UFC Saudi Arabia headliners revealed

The Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia will host the country’s first-ever UFC event on June 22. Although Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev were scheduled to headline, the latter had to withdraw due to an untimely illness. Russian prospect Ikram Aliskerov was then pitted against ‘The Reaper’ on short notice, and now fans are even more intrigued to find out how much each fighter will earn during the event.

It is claimed that Whittaker is expected to earn more than what he was used to in his previous fights, while Aliskerov, who accepted the challenge on short notice, is also expected to take home something significant this weekend. According to NYFights, despite the heavy-handed loss, Whittaker earned a whopping $250,000 against Dricus du Plessis and therefore received a $400,000 win bonus for defeating Paulo Costa at UFC 298.

Meanwhile, according to the same source, Aliskerov has pocketed at least $50,000 for his first-round TKO of Warlley Alves. The Russian was also guaranteed a purse of $81,000 for his fight against Antonio Trocoli, which was scheduled for last week. Still, we believe that UFC Saudi Arabia will be a big step for the Russians, both in terms of salary increase and career trajectory.

Overall, the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia will be crucial for both fighters as Whittaker and Aliskerov are expected to perform more than their previous fights.

Projected purse for the co-main event of UFC Saudi Arabia

Dana White has certainly laid out an exciting card for fans in Saudi Arabia. It’s action-packed and features some big names, aside from the highly anticipated main event action between former champion Robert Whittaker and Ikram Aliskerov. While Aliskerov will get the chance to prove his mettle by taking on the #3 ranked Whittaker, his compatriots Sergei Pavlovich and Alexander Volkov will touch gloves in the co-main event.

Despite a first-round loss to UFC heavyweight interim champion Tom Aspinall, Pavlovich earned $256,000, according to The Sports Daily. While Volkov would pocket $311,000 for submitting Tai Tuivasa last September at UFC 293. With the UFC pitting the Russians against each other, the fandom is sure to get the most out of it and so will the fighters. probably get a raise too.