Khamzat Chimaev, undefeated in his 13 professional bouts, is confident that his lack of experience against high-level opponents like Robert Whittaker won’t be a disadvantage in their UFC 308 co-main event fight, as he focuses solely on winning without concern for the method or duration.
Khamzat Chimaev might lack Robert Whittaker’s experience, but he believes ignorance can be strength.
With 13 pro fights under his belt, including seven in the UFC, Chimaev remains undefeated. This Saturday, he’s up against former middleweight champ Robert Whittaker in the five-round co-main event of UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi—arguably the toughest challenge of his career.
Chimaev hasn’t faced opponents like Whittaker has, yet there’s a reason he feels confident about their matchup.
“He knows how to lose, we don’t know, so I’m ready for victory,” Chimaev declared at UFC 308 media day on Wednesday.
Whittaker clinched an interim title in 2017, later elevated to undisputed status, before losing it to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243. Since then, he’s gone 6-2, with losses to Adesanya in their rematch and a TKO loss to future champ Dricus du Plessis. Despite these setbacks, “The Reaper” remains a cut above other contenders at 185 pounds.
Regardless of what Whittaker brings on Saturday, Chimaev is sure he’ll dominate the fight. Fans shouldn’t expect Whittaker to draw him into a standup brawl.
“Who did stop my takedowns?” asked Chimaev. “Nobody. I don’t think this guy will be different. If Kamaru Usman—a great champion—couldn’t stop me, how will a Taekwondo or karate guy?”
Chimaev faced questions about his conditioning since he’s never fought for 25 minutes—a feat Whittaker has accomplished multiple times. He mentioned tweaking his preparation but saw no need for a complete training overhaul.
If Chimaev wins by decision or becomes the first to submit Whittaker in the UFC, many questions will be answered. Questions that Chimaev himself finds uninteresting.
“Just win, that’s it,” said Chimaev. “I don’t think about five rounds or submissions. Just step into the cage, win the fight, smash that guy, and take my money. That’s it. When I enter the cage, it’s just about winning—not how.”