Aliskerov outpoints Ferreira at UFC Baku and calls for a marquee name in Abu Dhabi

Ikram Aliskerov moved to 5-1 in the UFC on Saturday, outpointing Brunno Ferreira by unanimous decision in a middleweight bout at UFC Baku, then wasted no time in lobbying for a bigger stage and a bigger name.

Aliskerov controlled the fight on the ground while more than holding his own on the feet against Ferreira, who fell to 15-4 with the loss. The performance was composed rather than spectacular, but it was enough to prompt an immediate and pointed callout in the post-fight interview.

“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… The choice is not for me. The choice is for Mick [Maynard], for Hunter [Campbell]. If they give me a good name, I’m happy to fight anybody they suggest.”

The UFC typically holds an annual card in Abu Dhabi in October, making it a natural target for a fighter looking to raise his profile before the year is out.

Aliskerov’s overall record stands at 18-2, with both professional losses carrying notable weight. Before reaching the UFC, he was beaten only by Khamzat Chimaev — a fighter who later acknowledged Aliskerov as his toughest opponent to date. Inside the octagon, his sole defeat came against former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker.

Now on a four-fight winning streak in the promotion, Aliskerov has positioned himself as a credible contender in a stacked 185-pound division. Whether matchmakers Maynard and Campbell deliver the marquee pairing he is asking for remains to be seen, but Saturday’s win gives him a reasonable case to make the request.