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VIDEO: UFC 308 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Topuria vs. Holloway & Whittaker vs. Chimaev

Fight week for the UFC 308 pay-per-view this Saturday has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode. Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway and the co-main event between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev. Saturday’s lineup is topped by an intriguing championship clash, with featherweight […]

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Fight week for the UFC 308 pay-per-view this Saturday has kicked off with the release of the promotion’s latest Countdown episode.

Under the spotlight in this edition is the headliner between Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway and the co-main event between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev.

Saturday’s lineup is topped by an intriguing championship clash, with featherweight kingpin Topuria (15-0) looking to add a first successful defense to his reign, which got underway with a memorable knockout victory over Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 this past February.

If “El Matador” is to continue his rule atop the 145-pound mountain, he must record a victory over Holloway (26-7). “Blessed” will ride a three-fight win streak into his latest opportunity to regain the title, most recently getting the better of Justin Gaethje in brutal fashion up at lightweight to capture the symbolic BMF belt at UFC 300.

Before those two collide in the main event at Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena, the stakes will be high for a crucial five-round middleweight clash.

After dismantling Ikram Aliskerov in quick time to emerge victorious from the UFC’s first event in Saudi Arabia, former champion Whittaker (26-7) will return to the Middle East to face his original opponent for this past June, the undefeated Chimaev (13-0). While “The Reaper” has gone 2-0 this year after outpointing Paulo Costa to open his 2024 campaign, “Borz” hasn’t made the walk since a narrow decision win over Kamaru Usman last October.

Ahead of those two contests in the United Arab Emirates, fans can catch previews in the full episode of UFC 308 Countdown on the promotion’s YouTube channel.

UFC 308 Countdown: Full Episode

Continue Reading VIDEO: UFC 308 Countdown Episode Ahead Of Topuria vs. Holloway & Whittaker vs. Chimaev at MMA News.

Robert Whittaker Says Khamzat Chimaev Isn’t His Toughest Opponent But Is The ‘Most Pressing’

When it comes to fighters that have been put through the ringer at the very highest level, it’s hard to find someone that is more experienced than Robert Whittaker. The former middleweight champion has been facing the very best at 185-pounds for the best part of seven years at this stage in his career. With […]

Continue Reading Robert Whittaker Says Khamzat Chimaev Isn’t His Toughest Opponent But Is The ‘Most Pressing’ at MMA News.

With 22 Octagon appearances under his belt, there’s not much that you can throw at “The Reaper” which he won’t have encountered in the past. That being said, his next challenge is somewhat of an enigma.

The undefeated Khamzat Chimaev has gone from being talked about as a guaranteed future UFC champion to someone that might struggle against the top names in his division. His progress has been significantly halted by two major concerns, his reoccurring health issues and an inability to fight in the United States.

Despite the fact that he has beaten the likes of Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, one of those wins came when he was fighting at welterweight and his contest with Usman was a close fight that saw the former 170-pound champion step in at middleweight on short notice.

We will truly find out how good Chimaev is when he faces Whittaker who has already proven his level against the majority of the top contenders to come through the division in the last seven years.

In an interview with TalkSPORT MMA ahead of their co-main event clash at UFC 308, Whittaker was asked whether Chimaev is his toughest fight to date after all of the top opposition that he has squared off with.

“No, like I’ve fought the best of the best. I think it’s the most pressing test because it’s unwritten and I think there’s a lot of gravity to this fight because it’s the unknown like as of right now but like, I’ve won a lot of hard fights and I’ve lost a lot of hard fights, I’ve been tested.”

Though Whittaker doesn’t believe that Chimaev is his most difficult opponent, he does think that this fight will require him to be at his best because he doesn’t fully know what to expect from his opponent.

“Right now, it’s obviously Chimaev right because it’s unknown, it’s ground that hasn’t been trodden yet. I respect the task at hand and I’m just looking forward to it.”

Continue Reading Robert Whittaker Says Khamzat Chimaev Isn’t His Toughest Opponent But Is The ‘Most Pressing’ at MMA News.

Jon Anik Breaks Down the UFC Middleweight Division and What’s Next For It’s Top 3 Contenders

Jon Anik thinks the UFC’s middleweight division has never been stronger. As it stands, there are a slew of…

Jon Anik thinks the UFC’s middleweight division has never been stronger.

As it stands, there are a slew of potential title challengers at 185, namely Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, Khamzat Chimaev, and Nassourdine Imavov. The question of who’s next for reigning titleholder Dricus Du Plessis is by no means an easy one, but for the longtime play-by-play man, Strickland makes the most sense.

Not just because he sits as the division’s top-ranked contender, but because he’s earned the rematch by being a company man through and through.

“I don’t think it’s hyperbolic or overstating it to suggest that the middleweight division, right now, has never been stronger,” Anik told The Schmo. “Right? Sean Strickland’s a worthy number-one contender. Nassourdine Imavov, on and on it could go!”

He continued, “In a straight meritocracy, I’m on record as promoting Sean Strickland because he has repeatedly stepped up for the promotion. Let us not forget he put his number four ranking on the line against Alex Pereira when nobody wanted to fight ‘Poatan.’ He has stepped into main events against guys, he’s stepped into a five round fight against Paulo Costa. And he fought Dricus Du Plessis toe-to-toe. So in a straight meritocracy, if I’m the promoter, I lean Strickland.”

Jon Anik thinks ‘Borz’ could be next for izzy

Even though UFC CEO Dana White has already promised Strickland his rematch with Du Plessis, it’s not quite that simple. Later this month, we’ve got a big matchup between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev that could very well produce the next middleweight title challenger.

Then there’s Israel Adesanya who, despite having lost back-to-back bouts, is always right there in the title picture and could step in at a moment’s notice.

Asked what’s next for ‘The Last Stylebender,’ Anik suggested that a clash with Chimaev could be his ticket back to the title, but that all depends on how things play out between ‘Borz’ and Whittaker in Abu Dhabi on October 26.

“I think if you’re Izzy, you just lay back in the cut and maybe it’s Khamzat. I mean that’s a fight that I think would have some appeal but Khamzat could be in a championship setting.”

Jon Anik Shares Best Potential Matchups For Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland & Dricus Du Plessis

The UFC middleweight division has changed a lot in the last couple of years. The turmoil that started after Anderson Silva finally lost the belt ended with Israel Adesanya unifying the title and defending it five times. Alex Pereira then fired through the ranks to take out Izzy at UFC 281 but “The Last Stylebender” […]

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Alex Pereira then fired through the ranks to take out Izzy at UFC 281 but “The Last Stylebender” reclaimed his belt at UFC 287 with one of the most iconic knockouts of all time.

Just when it seemed like Adesanya would be champion for at least a couple more years, Sean Strickland pulled off one of the biggest upsets of all time to become champ. He then lost the belt to Dricus Du Plessis, who’s already defended it once against Adesanya.

Amidst the unusual turbulence at the top ranks, here’s how the UFC middleweight division should operate according to Jon Anik…

Jon Anik Backs Sean Strickland As Next UFC Middleweight Title Contender While Suggesting Israel Adesanya vs. Khamzat Chimaev

Anik claimed the UFC middleweight division to be stronger than ever during an interview on the official The Schmo YouTube channel. When asked about who should fight for the title next, the play-by-play commentator named Strickland.

“I don’t think it’s hyperbolic or overstating it to suggest that the middleweight division, right now, has never been stronger. Right? Sean Strickland’s a worthy number-one contender. Nassourdine Imavov, on and on it could go!”

Anik backed his choice by recalling the times Strickland has stepped up for the UFC and citing his recent win over Paulo Costa and the extremely close decision loss to Dricus Du Plessis, the current champ. He also credited the former UFC middleweight kingpin for risking his top 5 ranking against Pereira in 2022.

“Well, in a straight meritocracy, I’m on record as promoting Sean Strickland because he has repeatedly stepped up for the promotion. Let us not forget he put his number four ranking on the line against Alex Pereira when nobody wanted to fight Poatan. He has stepped into main events against guys, he’s stepped into a five round fight against Paulo Costa. And he fought Dricus Du Plessis toe-to-toe. So in a straight meritocracy, if I’m the promoter, I lean Strickland.”

Although he’s no longer the champ, Adesanya is still likely the biggest draw in the division. So, when asked about the best matchup for his return, Anik named Chimaev who’s fighting Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. With that match, the former champ should be able to make the most of his star power and help elevate Chimaev’s popularity as well.

“I think if you’re Izzy, you just lay back in the cut and maybe it’s Khamzat. I mean that’s a fight that I think would have some appeal but Khamzat could be in a championship setting.”

Anik acknowledged that the match between Whittaker and Chimaev is bound to shake things up. The winner will likely have an undeniable claim to a title shot and it’ll be interesting to see whether Strickland will be overlooked in the process.

READ MORE: Former UFC Champ Highlights ‘Weirdest Thing’ About Fighting Alex Pereira

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Khamzat Chimaev Hopes Donald Trump is Elected, Blaming Democrats For Visa Issues

Khamzat Chimaev seems to think the Democrats are to blame for his lack of Stateside fights. After a fast…

Khamzat Chimaev seems to think the Democrats are to blame for his lack of Stateside fights.

After a fast and furious start to his UFC career that saw him score three wins over the course of eight weeks, ‘Borz’ has barely averaged one fight per year since 2021 for a variety of reasons, most of them associated with his continued health problems.

Recently, Chimaev was scheduled to headline the promotion’s debut in Saudi Arabia on June 22 against Robert Whittaker but was forced to bow out after becoming “violently ill” with an undisclosed illness.

Now, the undefeated Chechen star is expected back inside the Octagon on October 26 when the promotion heads back to Abu Dhabi for UFC 308 at Etihad Arena. Chimaev is once again slated to fight ‘The Reaper’ in what is being touted as a middleweight title eliminator, though ‘Borz’ isn’t entirely convinced that the UFC will make good on its promise.

“I don’t know we will see,” Chimaev told Alex Zubayraev. “They promise me a title eliminator every time… When I fought Gilbert Burns it was the No.1 contender fight. After the Kamaru Usman fight I didn’t get the title shot either. Now it’s the third time… Let’s see, hopefully” (h/t Sportskeeda).

Chimaev isn’t entirely wrong in his statement, but if he’s truly looking for somebody to blame for his lack of title opportunities, he may want to take a look in the mirror. Chimaev has seen six previously scheduled matchups canceled over the last few years, at least four of them the result of his own illnesses or weight-cutting issues.

Another problem seems to be the fact that ‘Borz’ can’t get cleared to enter the United States due to his close relationship with Chechen warlord Ramzan Kadyrov. However, Chimaev thinks much of that can be resolved should GOP nominee Donald Trump win the upcoming U.S. presidential election on November 5.

“As long as Donald Trump is not the president [of the United States] we can’t come back to the U.S. Maybe that’s the reason. Let’s not cover the truth. But I’m not upset. Whenever they let me fight I will fight. Whenever I get the belt let it be and even if I don’t get the belt I will still be the champion without the belt.”

“We keep in touch!”

Khamzat @KChimaev jokingly claims his US visa may be revoked if Donald Trump wins the election as they are friends with Dana White…

[hustle vlog @adam.zuba/IG] pic.twitter.com/HBHU5zKPsC

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) September 19, 2024

Khamzat Chimaev moved to UAE in hopes of Resolving his travel dilemma

Earlier this year, Chimaev’s jiu-jitsu coach Alan Nascimento revealed that the fighter was in fact encountering difficulties entering the United States and has since moved to the United Arab Emirates to try and mitigate his travel-related issues.

“[Chimaev] just got a 10-year visa in Abu Dhabi and will apply for a type of passport here in the UAE, something like a citizenship, that could be used for travels,” Nascimento told MMA Fighting. “Many Russian athletes are suffering with that. Chechens, Dagestani, Russians in general. But I think things will start to flow for Chimaev soon, and for other athletes too.”

“Sports save lives. To see athletes, people that have never committed any crimes and are just trying to live life in a positive manner and serve as example for the next generations, to pay the price and be unable to work because of problems caused by other people, I don’t think it’s fair. I don’t think it’s right. People might condemn what I’m saying, but what does an athlete have to do with a war started by two people that have nothing to do with sports?”

Dricus du Plessis reacts to Khamzat Chimaev barb: ‘Before you catch another cold’

Undisputed middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis has added fuel to the fire of his rivalry with the unbeaten, Khamzat…

Undisputed middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis has added fuel to the fire of his rivalry with the unbeaten, Khamzat Chimaev ahead of his return at UFC 308 last month — urging him to not withdraw from an Abu Dhabi return — poking fun at his recent exit from a summer comeback.

du Plessis, the current undisputed middleweight champion, most recently headlined UFC 304 back in August in Perth, Australia — successfully defending his titleholder for the first time in a dominant, eventual fourth round rear-naked choke submission win over former two-time champion, Israel Adesanya.

As for the undefeated, Chimaev, the Chechen-born challenger has been out of action since he co-headlined UFC 294 a year ago in the Middle East — narrowly retaining his unbeaten record in a contentious majority decision win over former undisputed welterweight gold holder, Kamaru Usman.

And booked to headline UFC Fight Night Riyadh back in June in Saudi Arabia, the unbeaten, Chimaev was ruled from a matchup with former middleweight kingpin, Robert Whittaker — with an apparent “violent” illness forcing the AllStars MMA staple from his premiere headliner in the promotion.

Dricus du Plessis pokes fun at Khamzat Chimaev’s inactivity

However, now booked co-main event UFC 308 at the end of next month in a rescheduled five round clash with the above-mentioned, Whittaker, Chimaev was the subject of a barb from South African star, Dricus du Plessis — who mocked his recent inactivity.

Robert Whittaker - Khamzat Chimaev off, then back on as UFC 308 co-Main event fight

“Put on a shirt princess before you catch another cold,” Dricus du Plessis posted in response to a social media status from the above-mentioned, Khamzat Chimaev.

Expected to take on former champion, Sean Strickland in a title fight rematch next — du Plessis is also sure to have his sights firmly set on the outcome of next month’s title eliminator between Chimaev and the above-mentioned Whittaker — whom he stopped with a brutal knockout last year during International Fight Week.