😮💨💥Robert Whitaker is on fire for fight with Khamzat Chimaev
“We’re going to go in there and hunt.” [Khamzat] Stand back, I’m going to give him a fight. I don’t think he can handle it…
I hope he’s ready too because I’m ready too. ”
🎥 @Kevin ▫️
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— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight)
October 19, 2024
Robert Whittaker (26-7) is scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev (13-0) in his next bout at UFC 308.
Whittaker and Chimaev will clash in the co-main event of UFC 308 on Saturday at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The two were originally scheduled to meet at UFC Saudi Arabia in June of this year, but Chimaev withdrew due to serious illness. Whittaker defeated his substitute, Ikram Ariskerov, by knockout in the first round. Ariskerov’s only loss as a pro dates back to 2019 against Chimaev, which Chimaev called the toughest matchup of his life to date.
Dana White has committed his next middleweight title shot to Sean Strickland, but the winner of the Whittaker vs. Chimaev matchup at UFC 308 could follow Strickland to the gold medal. Going into perhaps one of the toughest matches of his career, Whittaker will be looking to push an opponent known for his constant pressure style. However, “Bobby Knuckles” believes that the Chechen-born Swede will not be able to withstand the pressure he vows to impose. Whittaker also boasts one of the best takedown defenses in middleweight history and is confident he can handle Chimaev’s elite grappling. “The Grim Reaper” also hinted that he has an advantage in a five-round fight with Chimaev.
UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway takes place Saturday at 2pm ET on ESPN+. Order now!
“I really like the belief in my hitting ability and the fact that I get in there and hunt.” [Khamzat] under. I’m going to give him a fight,” Whittaker recently told Kevin Iall. “I don’t think he can withstand it. I don’t think my wrestling defense and striking talent will make it easy for him. I can fight from the first second to 25 minutes. So I’m ready too. So I hope he’s ready too.”
Whittaker has been on a winning streak since losing by TKO to reigning champion Drikas du Plessis in the title eliminator at UFC 290 last year. Meanwhile, Chimaev has won five of seven in the UFC, including a majority decision win over Kamaru Usman in his middleweight debut at UFC 294 last year.
