Tag: Khamzat Chimaev

‘I’ve Essentially Had Two Camps For This Guy’ –  Robert Whittaker Lays Down Confident Plan To Get Past Khamzat Chimaev And Fight For UFC Middleweight Gold

Robert Whittaker, since moving up to middleweight in the UFC, has only lost thrice. Two of these losses came against Israel Adesanya, and he most recently lost to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290. Although Whittaker’s been unable to reclaim his UFC middleweight title since 2019, he’s defeated top contenders such as Darren Till, Jared […]

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Robert Whittaker, since moving up to middleweight in the UFC, has only lost thrice. Two of these losses came against Israel Adesanya, and he most recently lost to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290.

Although Whittaker’s been unable to reclaim his UFC middleweight title since 2019, he’s defeated top contenders such as Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, and Ikram Aliskerov.

“Bobby Knuckles” will now face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308. Here’s what he thinks of fighting another intimidating contender and how he plans to emerge victorious…

Robert Whittaker Reveals Several Reasons That Make Him Confident About Beating Khamzat Chimaev

Whittaker appeared on the Submission Radio YouTube channel recently and discussed the state of the UFC middleweight division. When asked about his next fight, “The Reaper” highlighted that he’s had two camps preparing specifically for Chimaev which is naturally a huge advantage.

“I’ve essentially had two camps for this guy, right? I think skill-set wise, I’m probably at the best I’ve been. I’ve been especially most prepared for Khamzat, theoretically speaking as I could be, right?”

The former UFC middleweight kingpin also feels great physically and mentally. He likes fighting in the Middle East, which is luckily where UFC 308 takes place.

Whittaker didn’t hold back when asked about his strategy going into the Chimaev fight. He’s aware of the explosive wrestling his opponent brings in the early rounds. However, he’s certain about neutralizing Chimaev’s wrestling and turning the tides as the fight goes on.

“Yeah, definitely that high-paced start and his wrestling prowess. It’s quite simple. You know, you got to worry about how hard he’s going to push the wrestling envelope in the first few rounds. And then, like, what I’m going to do after that, after I stop the takedowns, after I get back up or whatever, and just taking the fight to him.”

Whittaker has racked up two impressive wins in 2024. By ending the year with a win over a huge name like Chimaev, he’ll most likely earn a title shot.

Continue Reading ‘I’ve Essentially Had Two Camps For This Guy’ –  Robert Whittaker Lays Down Confident Plan To Get Past Khamzat Chimaev And Fight For UFC Middleweight Gold at MMA News.

Khamzat Chimaev: Why Sean Strickland Should Be ‘Worried’ About His Title Shot, According to Daniel Cormier

Sean Strickland Daniel Cormier Khamzat ChimaevKhamzat Chimaev may be able to jump the line and get a title shot ahead of Sean Strickland, says…

Sean Strickland Daniel Cormier Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev may be able to jump the line and get a title shot ahead of Sean Strickland, says UFC Hall of Fame athlete Daniel Cormier. The middleweight title is currently held by South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis but the contender lineup may not be as clear as we once thought.

Sean Strickland or Khamzat Chimaev?

According to UFC President Dana White, after UFC 305 the main event winner would next face the former champion Sean Strickland. Stillknocks’ Dricus Du Plessis defeated Israel Adesanya, and therefore it lines up a rematch between the South African champion against Strickland. But, Daniel Cormier, former two-division champion, says to pump the brakes on this.

Sean Strickland Dricus Du Plessis
TORONTO, ONTARIO – JANUARY 20: Dricus Du Plessis of South Africa reacts after his victory against Sean Strickland in a UFC middleweight championship bout during the UFC 297 event at Scotiabank Arena on January 20, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

Just because Dana White said it does not make it so. At UFC 308, the former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is set to face fan-favorite Khamzat Chimaev. If ‘Borz’ Chimaev is able to get an impressive victory, then he will likely jump the line and get the next title shot. According to Daniel Cormier, Khamzat Chimaev is a more marketable fight for the UFC.

Dana White unsure of Khamzat Chimaev's future every time he gets close to fighting he gets sick

Speaking with Chael Sonnen regarding Khamzat Chimaev and the middleweight title picture, Cormier explained:

“I think the worry for Sean Strickland, is he beat Paulo Costa, Robert Whittaker has also beaten Paulo Costa. [Whittaker’s] also beaten [Ikram]Aliskerov… if [Whittaker] puts Chimaev behind him, it would make a very compelling argument that [Whittaker] should be next. [Du Plessis] wants Whittaker to win. He needs him to win. Because the Robert Whittaker in the fight, how it played out between him and DDP. If Khamzat [Chimaev] wins now, now you have something to worry about.

“Because now you have this undefeated guy, who for so many years, we thought it was only a matter of time until he became a world champion. Khamzat immediately looked like a guy who would be a champion, you could see it, and that would make me concerned if I’m Sean Strickland…he shouldn’t feel so good, because when Dana [White] speaks, he may go ‘This guy’s next! This is who we have’. But there’s a tone to his voice that makes you believe that what he’s telling you is certain. I didn’t hear that tone, I didn’t hear that for-sure tone for Sean Strickland…so I do believe that there’s room for Chimaev to work his way in there.” [Ht BJPenn]

Henry Cejudo reveals shock run in with UFC star Khamzat Chimaev: ‘You’re a rat piece of sh*t’

Henry Cejudo reveals shock run in with UFC star Khamzat Chimaev: 'You're a rat piece of sh*t'Former two-weight UFC champion, Henry Cejudo has revealed he engaged in a rather surprising run-in with the unbeaten promotional…

Henry Cejudo reveals shock run in with UFC star Khamzat Chimaev: 'You're a rat piece of sh*t'

Former two-weight UFC champion, Henry Cejudo has revealed he engaged in a rather surprising run-in with the unbeaten promotional star, Khamzat Chimaev – who labelled him a “rat” and a “piece of sh*t”.

Cejudo, a former undisputed bantamweight champion and flyweight titleholder, as well as a Olympic gold medal winner in freestyle wrestling, most recently featured on the main card of UFC 298 back in February of this year.

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Suffering his second consecutive loss since his return from a 2020 retirement, Los Angeles-born contender, Cejudo dropped a one-sided unanimous decision loss to incoming Noche UFC headliner and bantamweight title challenger, Merab Dvalishvili.

Henry Cejudo reveals Paris run-in with Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev urged to forget title fight call in UFC 308 return that's actually crazy

Yet to be booked for his return to action as he continues to weigh up his fighting future, Cejudo revealed he suffered the wrath of the undefeated, Chimaev – who returns at UFC 308 in October, taking on Robert Whittaker in a title-eliminator with the former champion.

Khamzat Chimaev reveals violent illness which ruled him from UFC Saudi Arabia I had headaches

“I have a crazy-ass story for you,” Henry Cejudo said on his podcast. “Guess who was at the Olympics and trying to fight the ‘Triple C’? I think these dudes sh*t so personal. I believe as an analyst you have to tell the truth. Yeah, I am comical but typically I do say certain things because I mean it. So that’s why I think – he (Khamzat Chimaev) was in the ticket line, I was outside trying to get my damn tickets.”

“Then he sees me and he’s like, ‘Henry Cejudo, you’re a rat piece of sh*t.’ I had a feeling this dude kinda had it because he blocked me from all the social media stuff,” Cejudo explained. “I’m just like, ‘Why? Why am I a piece of sh*t?’ And he just said I’m a piece of sh*t.”

Dricus Du Plessis Rejects Sean Strickland’s Title Shot: Wants Robert Whittaker or Khamzat Chimaev

Dricus Du Plessis Rejects Sean Strickland’s Title Shot: Wants Robert Whittaker or Khamzat ChimaevThe UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis has rejected Sean Strickland’s demands for a title shot. The South African…

Dricus Du Plessis Rejects Sean Strickland’s Title Shot: Wants Robert Whittaker or Khamzat Chimaev

The UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus Du Plessis has rejected Sean Strickland’s demands for a title shot. The South African titleholder had a close match with Strickland in which he captured UFC gold, but he thinks the fight against the US-born fighter will not be worth it.

Dricus Du Plessis On the Middleweight Title Picture

Looking at the middleweight division, Dricus Du Plessis explained that the winner between Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 will get a shot at the middleweight crown. Robert Whittaker is a former UFC titleholder with a highly impressive career. ‘Borz’ Chimaev is an unbeaten fighter with tons of hype around his name. On discussing these two, the South African champion, in an interview with Shak MMA, said:

“If Whittaker beats Khamzat, he’s 100 percent getting the title shot. The UFC’s been wanting to give Khamzat a title shot since his debut. Maybe if it’s a draw, Khamzat will still get the title shot. Let’s see if he makes it to the fight.

“Whittaker does have the two wins. Strickland shouldn’t have been there in the first place, he got it by default and then proved that he deserved to be there. So that’s amazing. The winner of Khamzat and Whittaker is gonna get the title shot.” [Ht MMAMania]

Dricus Du Plessis Rejects Sean Strickland

Sean Strickland

On a potential showdown against Sean Strickland, Dricus Du Plessis said:

“Strickland says he’s gonna wait until he gets a title shot. He’s gonna wait for quite a while, in my opinion.”

Strickland, who is best known for his work outside the octagon, was able to capture the title against Israel Adesanya but lost his crown against Dricus Du Plessis. The US-born fighter Sean Strickland earned one win in the middleweight division, a snoozer, against Paulo Costa, and is now demanding a title shot. Du Plessis says no, and adds:

“It’s about the fight the fans want to see. Which one’s going to be the biggest fight? Which one do the fans think is going to be the best fight?”

But before he can look at his next title defense, Dricus Du Plessis will look to defend his middleweight title against the former champion Israel Adesanya. The two are booked to meet at UFC 305 on August 18.

Arman Tsarukyan On Coaching Reality Show Opposite Khamzat Chimaev: ‘I Want To Beat Him…’

Despite solidifying himself as the number one contender in the lightweight division with his latest win, Arman Tsarukyan has got some time on his hands. The 27-year old stated that he was offered the lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev on the same night that he defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300. He turned that […]

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Despite solidifying himself as the number one contender in the lightweight division with his latest win, Arman Tsarukyan has got some time on his hands.

The 27-year old stated that he was offered the lightweight title shot against Islam Makhachev on the same night that he defeated Charles Oliveira at UFC 300.

He turned that opportunity down due to wanting more time to prepare and with Dustin Poirier stepping into his place at UFC 302, more time is certainly what he’s ended up with.

Makhachev was previously gearing up for a return to Abu Dhabi in October but a recently announced hand injury means that his huge rematch with Tsarukyan will be pushed back once again.

Instead, the next in line for a shot at the 155-pound title is keeping himself busy by coaching a similar series to The Ultimate Fighter, alongside another big name on the UFC roster.

Arman Tsarukyan Describes What It’s Like To Coach Against Khamzat Chimaev On Russian Reality TV Series

It was announced several months ago that Tsarukyan was set to feature on a reality TV series where both he and Khamzat Chimaev will coach competing teams.

Hype Reality 3 sees them go up against one another and as you can always expect when you have world class athletes involved, things are getting competitive as Tsarukyan detailed in a recent interview with Submission Radio.

“It’s good and I want to beat him, he wants to beat me so I train my fighters very well to win [against] his fighters.”

He went on to say that whilst both men are doing what they can to ensure the best results for their teams, tensions haven’t boiled over like they have done in previous seasons of The Ultimate Fighter.

“No, we have good relationship with Khamzat and that’s why we just like a sport you know. Who is going to win, nothing else, no drama.”

Read also: Umar Nurmagomedov Touts Bellator Champion As Islam Makhachev’s UFC Lightweight Successor

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Whittaker Reveals He Insisted On Chimaev Rebooking: ‘I Love Disrupting Their Plans’

Robert Whittaker recently revealed that the push to reschedule his previously canceled bout against Khamzat Chimaev for UFC 308 was entirely his initiative. Both fighters were initially set to headline UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia on June 22. However, just weeks before the contest, “Borz” withdrew due to an unspecified illness. In a bid […]

Continue Reading Whittaker Reveals He Insisted On Chimaev Rebooking: ‘I Love Disrupting Their Plans’ at MMA News.

Robert Whittaker recently revealed that the push to reschedule his previously canceled bout against Khamzat Chimaev for UFC 308 was entirely his initiative.

Both fighters were initially set to headline UFC Fight Night in Saudi Arabia on June 22. However, just weeks before the contest, “Borz” withdrew due to an unspecified illness. In a bid to salvage the main event, Ikram Aliskerov stepped in on short notice. Unfortunately for Aliskerov, his night was cut short as Whittaker dispatched him with a knockout in under two minutes.

Now, the UFC has rebooked Whittaker and Chimaev for a five-round middleweight bout as the co-main event of UFC 308, set to take place on October 26 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

“The Reaper” asserts that it was his idea to challenge Chimaev once again, driven by a desire to test his skills against the formidable opponent…

Whittaker Believes Victory Over Chimaev Could Secure Title Shot

During a recent appearance on the MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker discussed his rationale for rescheduling his fight against Chimaev. The former UFC middleweight champion expressed that he couldn’t pass up the chance to fight on enemy turf and prove his mettle.

“Unfortunately, the business isn’t completely run on merit, and a lot of it is, but there are a lot of times and moments when it just is not,” Whittaker said. “Chimaev is a hard fight; he’s obviously a big draw, especially over there in Abu Dhabi… I think the UFC, story-wise, wants to see Chimaev get a shot at the champion or whatever. They want to see Chimaev at the top of the ladder; they want to see him in that picture. But I love disrupting their plans; I love derailing their stories, and that’s why I took the fight.

You know, I asked for the fight straight after my last fight. I saw there was an Abu Dhabi card in October, the timeline fits perfectly, and I was like, I’ll fight Chimaev again. Let’s do it again, just make sure he turns up.”

“The Reaper” further emphasized that he knows Chimaev is a tough opponent, but believes that defeating him would pave the way for a title shot.

“I look forward to hard fights, and I know that if I beat Chimaev, there is nothing in my way to getting my belt back. Chimaev, as dangerous as he is, I don’t go into these fights thinking about what I have to lose. Much like how I took the fight with Ikram, I don’t look at the fights and think, ‘Oh man, it’s too big of a risk.’ Every fight’s a risk, you know, and I only go into fights because I have the confidence I’m going to beat and smash whoever is in front of me, and that doesn’t change with Chimaev.”

“Borz” has been out of action since his majority decision victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last October. During that bout, he suffered a torn ligament in his hand, which was followed by a severe infection that spread across his upper body, forcing him to take an extended break from active competition.

Meanwhile, Whittaker is gearing up for his third Octagon appearance of 2024. Earlier this year, he secured a decisive victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 298 in February and followed it up with a win against Aliskerov.

Continue Reading Whittaker Reveals He Insisted On Chimaev Rebooking: ‘I Love Disrupting Their Plans’ at MMA News.