Tag: Khamzat Chimaev

Robert Whittaker on Chimaev showdown: I’ve had two camps for this guy, I’m at my best’

Robert Whittaker on Chimaev showdown: I’ve had two camps for this guy, I'm at my best'Once more booked to take on the unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev later this year following a failed pairing…

Robert Whittaker on Chimaev showdown: I’ve had two camps for this guy, I'm at my best'

Once more booked to take on the unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev later this year following a failed pairing back in June, former champion, Robert Whittaker is more than confident of defeating the Chechen when they share the Octagon at UFC 308 in two months’ time.

Whittaker, the current number three ranked divisional contender, returned to action back in June in the main event of UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia — sharing the Octagon with the surging prospect, Ikram Aliskerov.

Robert Whittaker offers Dricus du Plessis, Israel Adesanya UFC 305 fight prediction

And recording a stunning first round knockout win over the Russian, Whittaker was initially scheduled to headline the Riyadh card against the undefeated Chimaev, who withdrew from the promotion’s first venture to the region citing a “violent” illness.

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However, rebooked to co-headline UFC 308 at the end of October over the course of five rounds, Whittaker is set to meet Chimaev before an undisputed featherweight title fight — as the unbeaten, Ilia Topuria takes on the streaking former champion, Max Holloway.

Robert Whittaker confident of taking the ‘0’ from Khamzat Chimaev’s record

And weighing up his fight with the Chechen contender, Whittaker insisted he was at his “best” ahead of the matchup — having devoted two separate training camps to the former.

Robert Whittaker def. Ikram Aliskerov UFC on ABC 6 3

“I’ve essentially had two camps for this guy (Khamzat Chimaev), right?” Robert Whittaker told Submission Radio. “I thnk 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?”

“… You know, you’ve got to worry about how hard he’s going to push the wresting envelope in the first few rounds,” Robert Whittaker explained. “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.”

Out of action since October of last year, Chimaev most recently landed a controversial majority decision win over former welterweight champion and pound-for-pound number one, Kamaru Usman on just days notice in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Arman Tsarukyan reflects on Khamzat Chimaev grappling match: ‘Very strong’

Arman Tsarukyan reflects on Khamzat Chimaev grappling match: 'Very strong'Employing the talents on unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev ahead of a planned UFC 308 title fight with Islam…

Arman Tsarukyan reflects on Khamzat Chimaev grappling match: 'Very strong'

Employing the talents on unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev ahead of a planned UFC 308 title fight with Islam Makhachev, surging lightweight challenger, Arman Tsarukyan has described the Chechen as “very strong” after many a grappling showdown.

Tsarukyan, the current number one ranked divisional contender, most recently featured on the main card of UFC 300 back in April, taking on former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira — fighting the Brazilian in an officially-billed title eliminator.

Arman Tsarukyan reveals talks to take on Islam Makhachev in December title fight at UFC 310
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

And defeating the Sao Paulo finisher over the course of three rounds in a controversial split decision success, Tsarukyan was lined up to tackle Makahchv at the end of October in the main event of UFC 307, the pairing hit the skids with Makhachev sidelined through an unspecified arm injury.

Arman Tsarukyan breaks down training with Khamzat Chimaev

However, sharing the mats with unbeaten middleweight contender, Chimaev ahead of a potential title fight with Makhachev next, the streaking, Tsarukyan has shared some interesting insights into how those sessions played out.

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“Of course I did,” Arman Tsarukyan said when asked if he felt Khamzat Chimaev’s power during their training sessions during an interview with Islam Badadzhanov. “We had a [grappling] match with him. It’ll be part of the [Hype Reality] project. And in addition to the wrestling, I felt his power, too.”

“He is very strong, powerful and he weighs I think about 100 kilograms,” Arman Tsarukyan explained. “He can take you down well, control — [he] breathes well. Such as wrestling work with control and at the same [time], uses grappling very well, especially in chokes. He has two very solid techniques. He chokes from the position — the position that it’s better not to be in.”

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As for his own return to action, Chimaev is set to co-headline the above-mentioned UFC 308 card later this year — taking on former undisputed middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker in a rescheduled clash over the course of five rounds.

Arman Tsarukyan reflects on Khamzat Chimaev grappling match: ‘Very strong’

Arman Tsarukyan reflects on Khamzat Chimaev grappling match: 'Very strong'Employing the talents on unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev ahead of a planned UFC 308 title fight with Islam…

Arman Tsarukyan reflects on Khamzat Chimaev grappling match: 'Very strong'

Employing the talents on unbeaten middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev ahead of a planned UFC 308 title fight with Islam Makhachev, surging lightweight challenger, Arman Tsarukyan has described the Chechen as “very strong” after many a grappling showdown.

Tsarukyan, the current number one ranked divisional contender, most recently featured on the main card of UFC 300 back in April, taking on former undisputed lightweight champion, Charles Oliveira — fighting the Brazilian in an officially-billed title eliminator.

Arman Tsarukyan reveals talks to take on Islam Makhachev in December title fight at UFC 310
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

And defeating the Sao Paulo finisher over the course of three rounds in a controversial split decision success, Tsarukyan was lined up to tackle Makahchv at the end of October in the main event of UFC 307, the pairing hit the skids with Makhachev sidelined through an unspecified arm injury.

Arman Tsarukyan breaks down training with Khamzat Chimaev

However, sharing the mats with unbeaten middleweight contender, Chimaev ahead of a potential title fight with Makhachev next, the streaking, Tsarukyan has shared some interesting insights into how those sessions played out.

gettyimages 1748811224 612x612 1

“Of course I did,” Arman Tsarukyan said when asked if he felt Khamzat Chimaev’s power during their training sessions during an interview with Islam Badadzhanov. “We had a [grappling] match with him. It’ll be part of the [Hype Reality] project. And in addition to the wrestling, I felt his power, too.”

“He is very strong, powerful and he weighs I think about 100 kilograms,” Arman Tsarukyan explained. “He can take you down well, control — [he] breathes well. Such as wrestling work with control and at the same [time], uses grappling very well, especially in chokes. He has two very solid techniques. He chokes from the position — the position that it’s better not to be in.”

chimaev

As for his own return to action, Chimaev is set to co-headline the above-mentioned UFC 308 card later this year — taking on former undisputed middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker in a rescheduled clash over the course of five rounds.

‘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 […]

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.

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.”