Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker thinks he’d match up well against Khamzat Chimaev.
At a fan Q&A during UFC 275 fight week, Whittaker (23-6 MMA, 14-4 UFC) was asked about a potential matchup with undefeated Chimaev (11-0 MMA, 5-0 UFC).
Although Chimaev is currently a top welterweight contender, he’s fought at middleweight multiple times. Having outlasted Olympic silver medalist wrestler Yoel Romero twice, Whittaker is confident that he’d be able to stop Chimaev’s grappling if they fought.
“It would be tricky,” Whittaker said. “I’d be firing those kicks down the middle like you would not believe. I don’t think my right foot would touch the mat. He’s a tough guy. I’ve fought wrestlers before, though. I’ve fought Yoel Romero, who’s a silver medalist. Granted, he’s not that sort of type of grappling game, but that’s something I really haven’t thought about. I have to try and digest when we get there sort of thing.”
Chimaev is coming off an all-out war with former title challenger Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 where he was pushed to the brink in an impressive win. On the cusp of title contention, Chimaev has turned his attention to star Nate Diaz and streaking contender Belal Muhammad.
Meanwhile, Whittaker will look to rebound from his title-fight loss to middleweight champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 271 in February. He faces ex-title challenger Marvin Vettori at a Fight Night event on Sept. 3 in Paris.
Robert Whittaker says fighting Khamzat Chimaev ‘would be tricky’ but thinks he’d be just fine
