Robert Whittaker predicts a bright future for Khamzat Chimaev after being defeated by him in the first round of their UFC 308 fight, suggesting Chimaev should face Dricus du Plessis next due to his impressive skills and undefeated record.
Robert Whittaker sees a bright future for Khamzat Chimaev. They faced off in the co-main event of UFC 308. It was October, and a title shot was up for grabs.
The fight was set for five rounds but ended in just one. Chimaev finished Whittaker with a face crank, dislocating several teeth. A brutal display, especially since Whittaker felt great before the match.
"I felt amazing," Whittaker shared on his MMArcade podcast. "The cut was perfect, I was strong, fit, focused—everything was spot on." He entered the octagon feeling confident.
But then Chimaev dropped to the mat—how do you stop that takedown? It’s hard to replicate such skill and commitment. Props to him; he knows his strengths.
Whittaker continued, "He ankle picked me off the fence—a beautiful takedown." But Whittaker felt good during wall work. Chimaev wasn’t overly strong but had a heavy sag, making Whittaker work hard.
"Even then, I knew sustaining that squeeze would be tough over five rounds," Whittaker noted. Space opened up later, but then came the face crank. Ouch.
Whittaker’s recovered now, despite having dental issues long before this fight. Chimaev’s dominance over a former champ is impressive. Many want him to face UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis next.
However, UFC CEO Dana White had previously named Sean Strickland as next in line. Post-UFC 308, he seemed less certain about it. Whittaker has his own opinion on who should face du Plessis.
"I’m curious about Chimaev’s next move," Whittaker said. "He’ll be a nightmare for the top-five guys—how do you stop that takedown?" He thinks Chimaev should go straight to Dricus.
"Sitting out shouldn’t be rewarded," Whittaker added. "But it’s not my call." Meanwhile, Chimaev boasts a 14-0 professional record with eight UFC wins. He’s ranked No. 2 middleweight globally by MMA Fighting.
And there you have it—a whirlwind of thoughts and opinions from inside the octagon!