Robert Whittaker has won the title before. After Saturday’s UFC 308 co-main event, he could be on the cusp of returning to the top. Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev was long floated for having top contender implications. With a win, the Aussie fighter could make a clear case for gold again. With just one more sleep to go, he iterates the mentality that got him to this point.
It’s also likely that the former UFC middleweight champion has found a way to keep his feet on the ground as he seeks another title fight. But he also believes that a dramatic change in his life away from the sport has been a key factor. Robert Whittaker believes he has found a way to balance MMA with his children and family life.
The big part of it is all about redefining drives and goals, …You don’t see a lot of fighters stay in the UFC for as long as I have at the caliber and the level that I’ve been at. I think I owe a lot of that to just being able to redefine my goals, redefine my drive…the introduction of kids during that period, it’s mind-blowing. And anyone that has kids will understand – it changes you … But I’ve made those changes to my family.
Robert Whittaker during UFC 308 (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN+) Media Day Official Pre-fight Press Conference interviews
Whittaker will face the latest big test of his career on Saturday. Unbeaten contender Khamzat Chimaev is no joke, but – the same goes for him. This matchup was rebooked when ‘Borz’ faced ‘violent illness’ in pre-camp conditions and had to pull out in June. ‘The Reaper’ went on to finish Ikram Aliskerov in the very first frame at UFC on ABC 6.
The perennial pulverizer thinks he has only improved and has never been in the running for the 185-pound gold. Whittaker has only lost to current or former middleweight champ Israel Adesanya/Dricus Du Plessis since 2014. The Aussie credits it to his long years and striking the perfect balance. While mostly calm and zen, he plans to hit the pedal hard toward aggression again and go on a hunt at UFC 308.
‘Hunter’ Robert Whittaker ready to sprint for 25 minutes vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308
Khamzat Chimaev is a bit of a novelty for Whittaker, as he is more than a 2-1 favorite in the betting window. He’s only been an underdog once in the last seven years. That was in his 2019 rematch with Izzy to regain the middleweight title he lost. However, the former middleweight champion is ready for the challenge.
At UFC 298, ‘The Reaper’ proved he can be just as good in range separation/pace. Chimaev is infamous for beginning with his explosive wrestle-heavy burst and lean-ins. The Chechen ties it up with mastery in striking, which he has incorporated all through last year at Team Tiger Muay Thai (TMT). There is the factor of the gas tank, but hardcore fans know that ‘Borz’ gets it done dangerously within that.
In this particular camp, Khamzat Chimaev has added changes to meet the middleweight rival. He doesn’t plan on changing his approach, but rather just tuning up on it. Whittaker has been through the wringer on multiple 5-round affairs. Hence, he is ready to match his pace at UFC 308.
I am expecting him to come out hard and aggressive from the first second to the last, …And I have prepared accordingly for that. I’ve prepared for the hardest fight of my life, to start extremely hard, like sprinting for the first 5 to 10 minutes, but also drag it out the five [rounds or so]. I’m ready to sprint for 25 minutes if so, and I’m coming for war.
Robert Whittaker further said
Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev #UFC308 pic.twitter.com/omD7gxQXC6
— MMA Mania (@mmamania) October 25, 2024
The new cold open promos for ESPN (pay-per-view, ESPN+) show just how dangerous ‘Borz’ was. He may only be a contender on the rise. But his danger has earned him the champ’s outfit in just seven scraps. The Aussie hunter and one of the most violent middleweight range-workers is ready. Chimaev said Whittaker knew how to lose, but he didn’t. While that statement may be true, Whittaker puts his priorities straight and uses it as motivation. When he puts gold first, he plans to be unstoppable.
