The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated matchups in recent UFC history as former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker and rising star Khamzat Chimaev are set to collide in the co-main event of UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway, this Saturday, October 26, 2024, in Abu Dhabi.
After a long-awaited showdown that was originally scheduled for June but postponed due to Chimaev's illness, the pair will now battle it out in a five-round middleweight contest that could potentially lead the winner to a title shot.
Robert Whittaker: A Former Champion Eyeing Another Shot at Gold
Since making his UFC debut, Robert Whittaker has cemented himself as one of the toughest contenders in the 185-pound division. With an impressive record of 17-5 in the UFC, the Australian fighter has gone toe-to-toe with some of the best, including Israel Adesanya, Darren Till, and Paulo Costa. Whittaker, a black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, is on a two-fight win streak, having bounced back from a tough loss to middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis in July.
In his most recent performance, Whittaker stepped in on short notice at UFC 298 to face Ikram Aliskerov and delivered a stunning knockout victory in less than two minutes. Now, with 11 knockouts and five submission wins to his name, Whittaker is ready to take on Chimaev and prove once again why he belongs at the top of the middleweight division.
Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Phenom
Khamzat Chimaev has taken the UFC by storm since his debut in 2020, making waves with his relentless style and incredible finishing ability. With 11 of his 13 wins coming via finish, Chimaev has quickly become one of the most dangerous fighters in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. Known for his grappling and powerful striking, "Borz" has defeated notable names like Kevin Holland and Li Jingliang, and he has gone the distance only twice, with decisions over Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman.
However, Chimaev's UFC career has been marred by inconsistency due to health issues. After fighting four times in 2020, he has struggled to stay active, competing just once in 2023. Despite this, the 30-year-old fighter remains a serious contender, and a victory over Whittaker would undoubtedly put him on the fast track to a title shot.
How the Fight Could Play Out
This middleweight clash is scheduled for five rounds, but many fans and analysts alike believe it may not go the distance. If the fight enters the championship rounds, it will be a true test of Chimaev’s endurance, as he has yet to fight beyond three rounds in the UFC. On the other hand, Whittaker is no stranger to long battles, with an average fight time of 13:33 compared to Chimaev's 6:27.
When it comes to striking, Chimaev holds the edge in accuracy, landing 58.8% of his strikes, compared to Whittaker's 43%. Chimaev also lands more strikes per minute at 5.72, while Whittaker averages 4.58. The grappling aspect of this fight will be equally intriguing, with both fighters boasting strong takedown defense—Chimaev at 100% and Whittaker at 82.9%. However, Chimaev is more likely to initiate the takedowns, averaging 3.99 per 15 minutes.
What’s at Stake?
With Dricus Du Plessis sitting atop the middleweight division as the champion, this fight carries enormous implications for both Whittaker and Chimaev. A win here could catapult either fighter to a title shot in 2024, making this a pivotal matchup in the division.
Don’t miss a moment of UFC 308: Topuria vs. Holloway, live from Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi on October 26, 2024. The preliminary card kicks off at 10 a.m. ET / 7 a.m. PT, while the main card, including this explosive co-main event, starts at 2 p.m. ET / 11 a.m. PT.