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Khamzat Chimaev, the rising MMA star, is gearing up for an exciting bout against former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. While Whittaker presents a formidable challenge, Chimaev doesn’t buy into the narrative that this will be the toughest fight of his career. Instead, he points to his recent clash with Kamaru Usman as the most challenging encounter he’s faced so far.
In an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports, Chimaev, who maintains an undefeated record of 13-0, expressed his confidence leading up to the match. Speaking from Abu Dhabi, just days before stepping into the octagon with Whittaker, he reflected on the strengths of his opponent. “I think Kamaru is a better fighter than this guy, but we will see in the cage,” Chimaev stated, emphasizing that the outcome on fight night remains to be seen.
Their past encounter at UFC 294 showcased a fiercely contested battle that ended with Chimaev securing a victory via decision. Many analysts speculated that if the fight had been extended to five rounds, Usman might have taken the win, especially since he stepped in on short notice. However, the speculation only adds to the excitement of Chimaev’s upcoming clash against Whittaker, who is no stranger to the big stage.
Whittaker has an impressive record of 26 wins and 7 losses and has faced and defeated some of the most elite fighters in the sport, including Paulo Costa, Yoel Romero (twice), and Kelvin Gastelum. With such a strong track record, he undeniably presents a serious test for Chimaev.
Despite being ranked 13th in the UFC, Chimaev believes a win over the third-ranked Whittaker could prove his mettle and showcase his abilities to the promotion’s matchmakers, arguing he has the potential to be considered “the best guy in the world.” Should he triumph against Whittaker, Chimaev has his sights set on challenging the current champion, Dricus Du Plessis, whom he respects for his formidable wrestling background and skills in the cage.
“I want to fight Dricus because that guy has beaten a lot of good fighters. I want to meet him and see who’s the best,” Chimaev declared, showcasing his ambition and the drive that has propelled his career thus far.
As the fight approaches, the intrigue surrounding UFC 308 intensifies with another thrilling match between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway also on the card. With such exhilarating matchups on the horizon, fight fans eagerly await what promises to be an unforgettable afternoon of MMA action. Chimaev, the young warrior, is ready to make a statement, but first, he must navigate the dangerous waters that Robert Whittaker presents when they face off in the octagon. The stakes are high, and the result could redefine the trajectory of both fighters’ careers in the UFC.