As the highly anticipated UFC 308 event approaches, all eyes are on the co-main event showdown between the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev and former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. With both fighters bringing their unique styles and elite-level skills to the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, this clash promises to be a thrilling affair that could have major implications for the future title picture.
Khamzat Chimaev, the Chechen sensation sweeping the UFC, recently boldly declared his wrestling prowess. “I am the best wrestler in the UFC,” stated the 28-year-old powerhouse. This claim underscores Chimaev’s confidence in his ability to dictate the terms of the fight against the formidable Robert Whittaker.
Chimaev’s explosive, grappling-heavy fighting style has been the hallmark of his undefeated professional record (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC). The unorthodox nature of his attacks, combined with his relentless pressure, has overwhelmed many of his opponents. And now, with the added boost of working with legendary Russian wrestling coach Salim Noutsalhanov, Chimaev believes he has the edge over Whittaker on the ground.
“Robert has been a champion and one of the best guys at the top,” Chimaev acknowledged. “But I don’t care about this. In the war, it doesn’t matter; you die. Why should I be worried about him? I’m a complete MMA fighter. I am the best wrestler in the UFC. He should be concerned about my wrestling skills, as my right hand has the power to knock this guy out.
Whittaker, the former middleweight titleholder, is no stranger to facing elite-level grapplers. The Australian’s well-rounded skill set and tremendous fight IQ have allowed him to navigate some of the toughest challenges in the division. However, the prospect of dealing with Chimaev’s suffocating wrestling game could pose a significant test for the 32-year-old veteran.
In June 2024, UFC Saudi Arabia scheduled the initial matchup between Chimaev and Whittaker, but ‘Borz’ had to withdraw due to health concerns. Now, with the fight rescheduled for UFC 308, both men will be eager to prove their superiority and cement their status as the next title contender.
Chimaev’s preparation for this pivotal showdown has been intense, as he has brought in additional wrestling specialists to sharpen his grappling skills. The inclusion of Razambek Zhamalov, the 2024 Olympic gold medalist in freestyle wrestling, further underscores Chimaev’s commitment to dominating his opponents on the ground.
However, Chimaev’s past issues with illness and hospitalization have raised concerns about his ability to maintain his health and make it to the Octagon. UFC president Dana White has expressed his frustration with the situation, stating, “Everytime he gets close to fighting, he gets really sick. It’s tough to deal with.”
To address these concerns, Chimaev has implemented a new approach to his training regimen, emphasizing proper rest and recovery. “I used to go to the gym and train until I was exhausted.” However, I ended up in the hospital for the third time in three weeks. My immune system went down; I got sick. Now, I have adopted a more effective approach,” he clarified.
With both fighters bringing their unique skills and mindsets to the table, the UFC 308 co-main event between Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker promises to be a thrilling clash that could have significant implications for the future of the middleweight division. Fans and pundits alike will be eagerly waiting to see whether Chimaev’s self-proclaimed status as the “best wrestler in the UFC” will translate into a victory over the former champion.