• Khamzat Chimaev dominated UFC 308, earning a first round submission victory over Robert Whittaker and improving his professional record to 14-0.
• Chimaev’s win solidifies his status as a top contender in the middleweight division, setting the stage for a potential title shot against Dricus du Plessis after a prior illness postponed their original matchup.
Khamzat Chimaev delivered a dominant performance at UFC 308 on October 26, 2024, securing a first-round submission victory over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. The co-main event, held at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, showcased Chimaev’s exceptional grappling skills and marked a pivotal moment in his career.
The fight commenced with Chimaev applying immediate pressure, leading to a swift takedown of Whittaker. Demonstrating relentless control, Chimaev advanced to Whittaker’s back and locked in a face crank submission. The hold was so forceful that it caused significant injury to Whittaker’s jaw and teeth, prompting an immediate tap-out at just 3 minutes and 34 seconds into the first round.
Post-fight, Whittaker revealed that the submission had pushed his bottom teeth inward, exploiting a pre-existing vulnerability. He stated, “It wasn’t the jaw; it was the teeth. The teeth got pushed in… It’s my Achilles heel.” Despite the injury, Whittaker remained in good spirits, commending Chimaev’s performance and expressing his determination to return stronger.
Chimaev, now extending his professional record to 14-0, acknowledged the injury inflicted during the submission. He remarked:
“I felt something click in his jaw, I thought it was broken… That’s when I knew it was in.”
This victory marks Chimaev’s most impressive performance to date, as he dominated Robert Whittaker, a former champion and middleweight legend, with relative ease. Additionally, this win positions Chimaev as a leading contender in the middleweight division, potentially setting the stage for a title shot against current champion Dricus du Plessis.
The bout was originally scheduled for June 2024 but was postponed due to Chimaev falling “violently ill” during training camp, leading to his hospitalization. The illness, which Chimaev described as a significant immune system issue, forced the initial cancellation. Upon recovery, Chimaev resumed training and was rebooked to face Whittaker at UFC 308.
Following his victory over Whittaker, Khamzat Chimaev expressed his respect for his opponent and his aspirations for a title shot during his octagon interview. He stated:
“Thanks [Whittaker], I love you my brother. You have always been a picture for me, you're a legend. Respect that you took the fight with me. No one wants to fight with me. All the champions are running from me."
Khamzat Chimaev was born on May 1, 1994, in the Chechen Republic, Russia. He’s ethnically Chechen and proudly represents Chechnya, often expressing his heritage in public appearances and interviews. Chimaev moved to Sweden with his family as a teenager to escape the instability in Chechnya. He trained in Sweden, where he developed his MMA career, training with Allstars Training Center, which has also produced top fighters like Alexander Gustafsson. However, he no longer represents Sweden and now fights under the UAE flag.
Chimaev is also a devout Muslim, and his faith is central to his identity, guiding both his personal life and public image. He often speaks openly about his beliefs, using his platform to share aspects of Islam and show respect for traditional practices, such as praying regularly and observing the fasting of the month of Ramadan, even during intense training periods. This dedication to his faith creates a powerful connection with fans, especially within Chechen and Muslim communities worldwide, who admire not only his fighting skills but also his commitment to values they share. His identity as a Muslim warrior resonates deeply, adding to his appeal and allowing him to serve as an inspirational figure across diverse cultural backgrounds.
