Robert Whittaker Warns Khamzat Chimaev: “Not Ready”
Anticipation for UFC Saudi Arabia
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is confident that he will hand Khamzat Chimaev his first career loss in a much-anticipated matchup at UFC Saudi Arabia on June 22. Whittaker, known as “The Reaper,” has faced only two losses in the middleweight division, both to champions Israel Adesanya and Dricus du Plessis.
Apart from these bouts, Whittaker has dominated the division, repeatedly proving himself as one of the organization’s greatest fighters. With his sharp striking skills and strong takedown defense showcased in title fights against the likes of Yoel Romero, Whittaker poses the toughest challenge yet for the undefeated Chimaev.
Chimaev’s Unexpected Challenge
When they finally face off, the Australian believes Chimaev will be surprised at his level of skill. Chimaev has overwhelmed many of his opponents in the octagon but has faced tough fights against the only two top-ranked welterweights he has met, Gilbert Burns and former champion Kamaru Usman. This doesn’t bode well for “Borz” as he steps up to the middleweight division’s elite.
Whittaker’s Strategy and Confidence
“I absolutely believe that the goal—like with all my opponents—is to make it my fight,” Robert Whittaker told ESPN Australia. “It’s about going out there and forcing him to accept my strategy and see how he adapts to me. Because I have skills that he’s not ready for.”
“I can wrestle with the best and I’ve proven that. So, I’m going to go out there and make it my fight, fight standing up. I will see how it goes and I will draw it out. It’s a five-round match, I’ve had plenty of those. And I don’t know what giving up means, so we’ll see how it plays out.”
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Recent Performances
Whittaker comes off a recent win over Paulo Costa, while Chimaev has not competed since his match against Usman at UFC 294 last year.
Quotes Section
“I absolutely believe that the goal—like with all my opponents—is to make it my fight,” – Robert Whittaker
“It’s about going out there and forcing him to accept my strategy and see how he adapts to me. Because I have skills that he’s not ready for.”
“I can wrestle with the best and I’ve proven that. So, I’m going to go out there and make it my fight, fight standing up. I will see how it goes and I will draw it out. It’s a five-round match, I’ve had plenty of those. And I don’t know what giving up means, so we’ll see how it plays out.” – Robert Whittaker
