Distance: 4-inch reach difference
Read matchup Real analysis. Smarter reads. A deeper understanding of the card.
The evidence points to a grappling gap (0.7 vs 3.8 takedowns per 15) and a finishing gap (31% vs 100% of archived wins); that is the read to test in the first five minutes.
Supporting evidenceExperience: 8 vs 0 five-round fights
| Attribute | Whittaker | Aliskerov |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 33 | 31 |
| Height | 6′0″ | 6′0″ |
| Reach | 73.5″ | 76″ |
| Stance | Orthodox | Southpaw |
| Rank | #11 Light Heavyweight | #13 Middleweight |
Highlighted rows mark a meaningful factual difference, not an advantage. Unpublished values stay unpublished.
Whittaker has 8 archived five-round fights to Aliskerov’s 0; championship rounds are familiar territory for one side.
Favors WhittakerAliskerov averages 3.8 takedowns per 15 minutes; Whittaker has stopped 80% of attempts on record.
Favors WhittakerWhittaker has been finished 3 times in the archive and absorbs 3.4 strikes per minute; Aliskerov has never been stopped in the stored record.
Favors AliskerovAliskerov has 3 first-round finishes in the last 3 archived results — the opening minutes carry real finishing risk.
Rounds two and three turn on whether Aliskerov keeps landing takedowns at 3.8 per 15 minutes; if Whittaker stays upright, the striking rates (4.4 vs 5.6 landed per minute) take over.
Scheduled for five rounds: 25 minutes changes the pace math, and a fighter who banks two early rounds can afford to manage the fourth.
