Ikram Aliskerov wants big name opponent for UFC Abu Dhabi

Ikram Aliskerov wants a marquee opponent for the UFC's October event in Abu Dhabi after his unanimous decision win over Brunno Ferreira at UFC Baku on Saturday.

The Dagestani middleweight controlled Ferreira on the mat and held up in the standup exchanges to move to 5-1 inside the octagon. Aliskerov told the UFC in his post-fight interview that he is targeting a fall return against a ranked contender, per Sherdog.

"Next what I need is big loud fight, a big name," Aliskerov said. "At least one fight at the end of the year. So, I'm thinking Abu Dhabi for me, in October, works perfectly. I need one good fight, one big name."

Aliskerov's path up the middleweight rankings

Aliskerov deferred matchmaking decisions to UFC brass, saying the choice belongs to matchmaker Mick Maynard and executive Hunter Campbell. The 31-year-old is reportedly looking to climb the ladder after his sole UFC loss came against former champion Robert Whittaker.

Before joining the promotion in 2023, Aliskerov had only dropped a decision to Khamzat Chimaev, who once named him the toughest opponent he had faced. Aliskerov now holds an 18-2 overall record and is pushing for a top-15 name to close out 2026.

The UFC typically runs its annual Abu Dhabi card in October, which would give Aliskerov a four-month turnaround from his Baku appearance.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Ikram Aliskerov targets 'big name' for UFC event in Abu Dhabi