Robert Whittaker, the former middleweight champion, is gearing up for a showdown with the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. Their five-round UFC main event on June 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia promises to be a clash of styles and skillsets. Whittaker, known for his aggressive striking and well-rounded game, believes he brings an arsenal of tools that Chimaev is “not ready for.”
Chimaev has been making waves in the UFC, earning the moniker of the division’s “boogeyman.” His relentless grappling and dominant performances have put him on everyone’s radar. But Whittaker isn’t one to shy away from challenges. He sees this fight as an opportunity to test himself against the rising star.
Robert Whittaker’s Striking Advantage
Whittaker’s striking prowess is well-documented. As a black belt in Gōjū-ryū karate, he possesses lightning-fast blitz attacks that have dismantled opponents. He believes he’ll have a speed advantage over Chimaev and intends to exploit it. Controlling the distance will be crucial—Whittaker’s ability to keep the fight standing could disrupt Chimaev’s wrestling game.
Robert Whittaker believes he brings an arsenal of skillsets that Khamzat Chimaev is “not ready for” 👀
He also says that even if it was a pure wrestling or jiu itsu fight, he’d still “hold his own, if not get the [win] that way too.”
🎥 YT / ESPN Australia #UFC #MMA… pic.twitter.com/UrSyQQ0yz7
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Chimaev’s grappling credentials are impressive, but Whittaker remains unfazed. He acknowledges Chimaev’s confidence and undoubted skills but plans to put him in uncharted waters. Robert Whittaker’s takedown defense is solid, statistically better than most in the middleweight division. Even if it were a pure wrestling or jiu-jitsu fight, Whittaker asserts he’d “hold his own, if not get the win that way too.”
Robert Whittaker aims to shake Chimaev’s confidence. He wants to see how the hype holds up when faced with adversity. If he can weather the storm and take the fight into deep waters, Whittaker believes he can test Chimaev over five rounds. It’s not about impressing anyone; it’s about proving himself against the best.
For Robert Whittaker, this fight is a stepping stone toward a title shot. Victory over Chimaev would put him in perfect contention. Whether it’s striking, wrestling, or jiu-jitsu, Whittaker is ready to showcase his skills and earn the win. The boogeyman awaits, but Whittaker stands unyielding.
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