Tag: Khamzat Chimaev

Michael Bisping unsure Khamzat Chimaev is ready for UFC Saudi Arabia headliner: ‘He always gasses’

Michael Bisping issues warning to Khamzat Chimaev over UFC Saudi Arabia main event he always gassesFormer undisputed middleweight champion, Michael Bisping claims unbeaten contender, Khamzat Chimaev and his corner should be majorily concerned about…

Michael Bisping issues warning to Khamzat Chimaev over UFC Saudi Arabia main event he always gasses

Former undisputed middleweight champion, Michael Bisping claims unbeaten contender, Khamzat Chimaev and his corner should be majorily concerned about his fight with Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia in June – claiming the Chechen more often than not looked severely fatigued at some stage in his fights.

Khamzat Chimaev labelled a crybaby after attacking UFC boss Dana White over title fight
Manadatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Chimaev, the current number eleven ranked middleweight contender, has been sidelined since he returned to the division at UFC 294 back in October of last year against former champion, Kamaru Usman, narrowly defeating the Auchi native over the course of three rounds.

Michael Bisping calls into question Khamzat Chimaev’s going ability

And drawing former middleweight champion, Whittaker in a massive title-eliminator atop a UFC on ABC 6 card in the summer, Chimaev has been issued a word of warning by Hall of Fame inductee, Bisping, who claimed the Chechen is likely to gas once more in his high-stakes clash.

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

“Automatically, if you’re in the corner of Khamzat Chimaev, you’ve got to be concerned,” Michael Bisping said on his podcast, Believe You Me. “One thing Robert Whittaker is not going to do is run out of gas. He’s a very, very experienced fighter, fighting at the highest level for a long time. Without getting into the Xs and Os, the obvious things is Khamzat always gasses.”

“He’s a tremendous force of nature, the way he takes people down and dominates them right from the opening bell,” Bisping explained. “He did the same thing against Kamaru Usman. Granted, didn’t get the finish, but he definitely did slow down. Against Gilbert Burns, same thing. He had a great round one, [rounds] two and three were kind of close. Five rounds against somebody like Robert Whittaker, if he can’t finish him early, that could be a disastrous night for him in Saudi Arabia.” 

Khamzat Chimaev issues warning ahead of UFC 297 I didn't know I was scaring them so much
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Himself returning at UFC 298 back in February in a co-main event slot, Whittaker turned in a unanimous decision victory over former middleweight title challenger, Paulo Costa.

Who wins at UFC Saudi Arabia: Robert Whittaker or Khamzat Chimaev?

Michael Bisping unsure Khamzat Chimaev is ready for UFC Saudi Arabia headliner: ‘He always gasses’

Michael Bisping issues warning to Khamzat Chimaev over UFC Saudi Arabia main event he always gassesFormer undisputed middleweight champion, Michael Bisping claims unbeaten contender, Khamzat Chimaev and his corner should be majorily concerned about…

Michael Bisping issues warning to Khamzat Chimaev over UFC Saudi Arabia main event he always gasses

Former undisputed middleweight champion, Michael Bisping claims unbeaten contender, Khamzat Chimaev and his corner should be majorily concerned about his fight with Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia in June – claiming the Chechen more often than not looked severely fatigued at some stage in his fights.

Khamzat Chimaev labelled a crybaby after attacking UFC boss Dana White over title fight
Manadatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Chimaev, the current number eleven ranked middleweight contender, has been sidelined since he returned to the division at UFC 294 back in October of last year against former champion, Kamaru Usman, narrowly defeating the Auchi native over the course of three rounds.

Michael Bisping calls into question Khamzat Chimaev’s going ability

And drawing former middleweight champion, Whittaker in a massive title-eliminator atop a UFC on ABC 6 card in the summer, Chimaev has been issued a word of warning by Hall of Fame inductee, Bisping, who claimed the Chechen is likely to gas once more in his high-stakes clash.

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

“Automatically, if you’re in the corner of Khamzat Chimaev, you’ve got to be concerned,” Michael Bisping said on his podcast, Believe You Me. “One thing Robert Whittaker is not going to do is run out of gas. He’s a very, very experienced fighter, fighting at the highest level for a long time. Without getting into the Xs and Os, the obvious things is Khamzat always gasses.”

“He’s a tremendous force of nature, the way he takes people down and dominates them right from the opening bell,” Bisping explained. “He did the same thing against Kamaru Usman. Granted, didn’t get the finish, but he definitely did slow down. Against Gilbert Burns, same thing. He had a great round one, [rounds] two and three were kind of close. Five rounds against somebody like Robert Whittaker, if he can’t finish him early, that could be a disastrous night for him in Saudi Arabia.” 

Khamzat Chimaev issues warning ahead of UFC 297 I didn't know I was scaring them so much
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Himself returning at UFC 298 back in February in a co-main event slot, Whittaker turned in a unanimous decision victory over former middleweight title challenger, Paulo Costa.

Who wins at UFC Saudi Arabia: Robert Whittaker or Khamzat Chimaev?

Joe Rogan warns Khamzat Chimaev of ‘beefy’ ex-UFC champ Robert Whittaker: ‘That’s a real fight’

Joe Rogan warns Khamzat Chimaev of 'beefy' ex-UFC champ Robert Whittaker: 'That's a real fight'Khamzat Chimaev is gearing up for his toughest test as he continues climbing toward the top of the middleweight…

Joe Rogan warns Khamzat Chimaev of 'beefy' ex-UFC champ Robert Whittaker: 'That's a real fight'

Khamzat Chimaev is gearing up for his toughest test as he continues climbing toward the top of the middleweight division.

On Saturday, June 22, ‘Borz’ will return to the Octagon as part of a loaded UFC Saudi Arabia card from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Headlining the historic night of fights will be a 185-pound clash between undefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev and former middleweight titleholder Robert Whittaker, the winner likely nudging themselves into position for a shot at the division’s top prize.

Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev

“Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia, that one is gonna be f*cking wild,” longtime UFC color commentator Joe Rogan said on his popular podcast. “That’s a wild one. That is a wild fight. Whittaker vs. Khamzat is legit. That’s a real fight, that’s a real fight for Khamzat because Whittaker is a big dude. Solid, beefy 185 [pounds], former champion. Both guys started at 170 but it was too hard to make it to 170” (h/t MMA Mania).

While ‘The Reaper’ has happily called the middleweight division home for the last decade, Chimaev was essentially forced to make the move from 170 to 185 after a massive mishap on the scale ahead of his scheduled scrap with Nate Diaz at UFC 279.

Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev’s Only Middleweight Win Since 2020 came against a short-notice Kamaru Usman

Since then, Chimaev has only clocked one win in the weight class, besting former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman who moved up on short notice to face ‘Borz’ at UFC 294 in October. Chimaev won the fight via a majority decision.

Khamzat Chiamev vs. Kamaru Usman

“That’s a real 185’er as opposed to [when] they gave [Chimaev] Kamaru Usman, and Kamaru didn’t have a chance to prepare for that [fight],” Rogan continued. “He had 10 days. That’s not enough time. This is a big one. This is Robert Whittaker with plenty of time to prepare. A guy who is just as legit as they get. He just beat Paulo Costa. That’s a good fight. I like that.”

Whittaker is coming off a big win over the returning Paul Costa at UFC 298 in February. Winner of two of his last three, ‘The Reaper’ is 16-5 inside the Octagon and currently sits in the No. 3 spot in the middleweight rankings — eight slots ahead of Khamzat Chimaev.

Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa

Joe Rogan warns Khamzat Chimaev of ‘beefy’ ex-UFC champ Robert Whittaker: ‘That’s a real fight’

Joe Rogan warns Khamzat Chimaev of 'beefy' ex-UFC champ Robert Whittaker: 'That's a real fight'Khamzat Chimaev is gearing up for his toughest test as he continues climbing toward the top of the middleweight…

Joe Rogan warns Khamzat Chimaev of 'beefy' ex-UFC champ Robert Whittaker: 'That's a real fight'

Khamzat Chimaev is gearing up for his toughest test as he continues climbing toward the top of the middleweight division.

On Saturday, June 22, ‘Borz’ will return to the Octagon as part of a loaded UFC Saudi Arabia card from Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. Headlining the historic night of fights will be a 185-pound clash between undefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev and former middleweight titleholder Robert Whittaker, the winner likely nudging themselves into position for a shot at the division’s top prize.

Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev

“Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia, that one is gonna be f*cking wild,” longtime UFC color commentator Joe Rogan said on his popular podcast. “That’s a wild one. That is a wild fight. Whittaker vs. Khamzat is legit. That’s a real fight, that’s a real fight for Khamzat because Whittaker is a big dude. Solid, beefy 185 [pounds], former champion. Both guys started at 170 but it was too hard to make it to 170” (h/t MMA Mania).

While ‘The Reaper’ has happily called the middleweight division home for the last decade, Chimaev was essentially forced to make the move from 170 to 185 after a massive mishap on the scale ahead of his scheduled scrap with Nate Diaz at UFC 279.

Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev’s Only Middleweight Win Since 2020 came against a short-notice Kamaru Usman

Since then, Chimaev has only clocked one win in the weight class, besting former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman who moved up on short notice to face ‘Borz’ at UFC 294 in October. Chimaev won the fight via a majority decision.

Khamzat Chiamev vs. Kamaru Usman

“That’s a real 185’er as opposed to [when] they gave [Chimaev] Kamaru Usman, and Kamaru didn’t have a chance to prepare for that [fight],” Rogan continued. “He had 10 days. That’s not enough time. This is a big one. This is Robert Whittaker with plenty of time to prepare. A guy who is just as legit as they get. He just beat Paulo Costa. That’s a good fight. I like that.”

Whittaker is coming off a big win over the returning Paul Costa at UFC 298 in February. Winner of two of his last three, ‘The Reaper’ is 16-5 inside the Octagon and currently sits in the No. 3 spot in the middleweight rankings — eight slots ahead of Khamzat Chimaev.

Robert Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa

Robert Whittaker admits ‘Shock’ at booking Khamzat Chimaev fight at UFC Saudi Arabia: ‘It came out of nowhere’

Robert Whittaker admits shock at booking Khamzat Chimaev fight it came out of nowhere UFC Saudi ArabiaSlated to bring the Octagon to Saudi Arabia for the first time in it’s history, Robert Whittaker has claimed…

Robert Whittaker admits shock at booking Khamzat Chimaev fight it came out of nowhere UFC Saudi Arabia

Slated to bring the Octagon to Saudi Arabia for the first time in it’s history, Robert Whittaker has claimed his UFC on ABC 6 clash with Khamzat Chimaev atop the ‘Fight Night’ billed card came as somewhat of a “shock” – and admits to being almost surprised at the booking.

Whittaker, the current number three ranked middleweight contender, most recently featured in the co-main event of UFC 298 back in February against former title challenger, Paulo Costa, turning in a hard-fought unanimous decision win.

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

And the former champion – who had campaigned for a title rematch with former-foe, Dricus du Plessis in the aftermath of his victory over the Brazilian, has since booked a fight with Chimaev, despite admitting how a showdown with the Chechen would force him to fight down the rankings – ultimately something he reluctantly is doing.

Robert Whittaker breaks down Khamzat Chimaev fight

Noting his interest in a title-eliminator against shunned ex-champion, Sean Strickland after his win over Costa, fan-favorite veteran, Whittaker admitted that his fight with surging finisher, Chimaev “came out of nowhere” for the UFC Saudi Arabia main event.

Manager confirms Khamzat Chimaev set for UFC return soon amid injury setback
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“Obviously, it’s a bit of a shock because it comes out of nowhere,” Robert Whittaker said on the MMArcade podcast. “I would have assumed UFC was going to hold me in the ranks for the Australia card in August, which is kind of what I was preparing for. But, I’m happy UFC have given me this boon. This is my path to the title.”

“This is the way I earn money for my kids,” Robert Whittaker explained. “To be able to do that so close – like I’ve said in other episodes, I want to increase my activity. God willing, and my body’s healthy, there’s no reason I shouldn’t take this fight. What else am I going to be doing?” 

Robert Whittaker confirms plans to fight at UFC 299 in March after call out from Paulo Costa
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

In Chimaev’s most recent outing, the AllStars MMA staple turned in a close, debated decision victory against former undisputed welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman – in a short-notice UFC 294 co-headliner back in October.

Who wins at UFC Saudi Arabia in June: Robert Whittaker or Khamzat Chimaev?

Robert Whittaker reacts to booking Khamzat Chimaev fight at UFC Saudi Arabia: ‘Once more into the fray’

Robert Whittaker reacts to Khamzat Chimaev fight at UFC Saudi Arabia once more into the frayOff the back of his booking against undefeated middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of a UFC…

Robert Whittaker reacts to Khamzat Chimaev fight at UFC Saudi Arabia once more into the fray

Off the back of his booking against undefeated middleweight contender, Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of a UFC Fight Night Saudi Arabia card on June 22. – former middleweight titleholder, Robert Whittaker has vowed to return to “the fray” again.

Whittaker, the current number three ranked middleweight contender, looks to earn another shot at his former championship title in his return against the unbeaten, Chimaev – fresh from a hard-fought unanimous decision win over Paulo Costa back in February in the co-main event of UFC 298.

Robert Whittaker closing as betting favorite to beat Paulo Costa at UFC 298

As for Chimaev, the Chechen-born contender will take headlining honors for the first time in his short Octagon tenure, returning from injuries after he improved to 13-0 in a unanimous decision effort against former undisputed welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman back in October at UFC 294.

Robert Whittaker reacts to Khamzat Chimaev booking

And following confirmation from UFC CEO, Dana White that Robert Whittaker would be facing Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of the UFC on ABC 6 card in the Middle East this summer, the ex-champion posted his initial reaction.

Robert Whittaker targets UFC 300 fight with Paulo Costa axed he's playing games again
Mandatory Credit: Chris Unger – Zuffa LLC

“Once more into the fray,” Robert Whittaker posted on his official X account. “#UFCFightNight #SaudiArabia”

Along with Whittaker’s high-profile fight against Chimaev, the promotion have also booked a co-headliner between former title challenger, Sergei Pavlovich who returns to take on Russian compatriot, Alexander Volkov in a high-stakes pairing.

Khamzat Chimaev betting favorite to hold title at end of 2024 after UFC 297
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

Another past title challenger at middleweight returns to boot at Kelvin Gastelum meets Daniel Rodriguez on the event’s main card, while Johnny Walker takes on Volkan Oezdemir, and the impressive Shara ‘Bullet’ Magomedov meets Ihor Potieria.

Hoping to earn another chance at middleweight spoils, Whittaker struck Octagon gold back in 2017 in a decision win over veteran Cuban, Yoel Romero, before defeating the fan-favorite with another split judging victory in an immediate rematch, non-title affair.

Who wins at UFC Saudi Arabia in June: Robert Whittaker or Khamzat Chimaev?