Robert Whittaker is a man on a mission. The Australian fighter recently shared his thoughts on the division’s title picture. His focus? Laser-sharp on his upcoming bout with Khamzat Chimaev.
Whittaker lost his title to Israel Adesanya in 2019. Since then, he’s been clawing his way back to the top. His recent victories have put him back in the conversation for a title shot. But Dana White has other plans, as he recently promised Sean Strickland the next crack at the middleweight belt. Whittaker didn’t mince words in a recent interview with Submission Radio.
“I don’t care …I got to beat Chimaev, right. The fight after Chimaev doesn’t exist to me…I know I beat Chimaev I’m fighting for a title. If it’s before or after, doesn’t matter…I gotta beat Chimaev,” said Whittaker.
The middleweight division is currently a hotbed of talent. Dricus Du Plessis recently defended his title against Adesanya. Strickland is chomping at the bit for a rematch. And let’s not forget about the undefeated Chimaev lurking in the shadows.
‘The Reaper’s‘ singular focus is refreshing in a sport full of trash talk. He knows beating Chimaev is his ticket to another title shot. Everything else is just noise. He does not get caught up in the “what ifs.” Instead, he zeroes in on the task at hand.
Khamzat Chimaev Reacts To Robert Whittaker’s Win At UFC Saudi
The world of mixed martial arts never sleeps, and apparently, neither does Khamzat Chimaev. The undefeated Chechen-born Swedish fighter had his eyes glued to the screen during UFC Saudi Arabia. Chimaev was originally slated to face Robert Whittaker in the main event. However, a “violent illness” forced him to withdraw from the bout.
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Ikram Aliskerov stepped in, and his night didn’t go as planned. Whittaker unleashed a devastating first-round knockout that left fans in awe. The former middleweight champion proved he’s still a force to be reckoned with. Chimaev couldn’t help but react. He took to X with a message for Whittaker:
“Congratulations @robwhittakermma we are not done! I wish you a speedy recovery @ikram_aliskerov keep your head up my brother,” wrote Chimaev.
It seems the Borz isn’t ready to let this matchup slip away. His message carries a mix of respect and warning. His wish came true as the two are now set to fight at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.
