Robert Whittaker is preparing for a challenging five-round fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308, expecting Chimaev to maintain his aggressive style throughout, while aiming to re-establish himself in the title conversation with a victory.
Robert Whittaker isn’t stepping into the cage on Saturday expecting Khamzat Chimaev to tire out early. This middleweight clash, part of UFC 308’s co-main event in Abu Dhabi, promises intensity.
Chimaev’s record speaks volumes: seven octagon victories, five dominant finishes. Yet, he’s shown signs of slowing down in longer bouts, like those against Gilbert Burns and last-minute stand-in Kamaru Usman. Meanwhile, Whittaker boasts a 9-1 record in fights going the distance since his 2014 middleweight move.
“I’m gearing up for a relentless fight,” Whittaker shared at the UFC 308 media day. “From the first second to the last, I’m ready for an all-out sprint lasting up to 25 minutes if needed. It’s war.”
Chimaev’s aggressive starts have served him well. “Even when he gassed, he still dominated,” Whittaker noted. “I’m preparing for his best version—a super soldier. It’s not over after round one.”
The UFC made this bout a five-rounder despite no title being on the line. Whittaker wasn’t behind that decision. With a chuckle, he remarked, “Five rounds are tougher than three! But I’m here to fight—three rounds, five rounds, or even ten.”
However, Whittaker doesn’t dismiss ending it early. Remember Ikram Aliskerov? He stepped in for Chimaev back in June and got finished quickly. “I’m hunting,” Whittaker declared. “I’m the predator.”
A win could catapult Whittaker back into title talks—his third since falling to Dricus Du Plessis. With the UFC eyeing Australia on February 8, he might feature prominently.
“That loss to Dricus was a wake-up call,” Whittaker admitted. “I made changes inside and outside the gym. We’ve worked harder than ever, and it’s paying off. Each fight this year shows my growth and confidence.” All engines are firing as he enters this bout.