UFC 308 saw Khamzat Chimaev dominate Robert Whittaker with a first-round submission. Could this victory secure him a shot at the middleweight title?
Khamzat Chimaev has just delivered a statement victory in the UFC 308 co-main event, submitting former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round. With this win, Chimaev may have catapulted himself into the line for a middleweight title shot.
The fight started fast as Chimaev went straight for a takedown, pushing Whittaker against the cage and swiftly bringing him to the ground. Displaying his elite grappling skills, Chimaev wasted no time, maneuvering to take Whittaker’s back while the former champ scrambled to defend. But Chimaev’s patience and positioning eventually paid off, leading him to lock in a submission that immediately put Whittaker in trouble.
At 3:34 in the first round, Chimaev tightened his grip, targeting Whittaker’s jaw with such force that Whittaker tapped almost instantly, grimacing in visible pain. Post-fight, Whittaker revealed he likely suffered a dislocated jaw due to the intense submission hold. Chimaev expressed both respect and determination in his post-fight statement, saying, “Thanks, Robert, I love you, my brother. You’re a legend. No one wants to fight with me. Give me the belt!”
With this win, Chimaev has become the first fighter to submit Whittaker in the UFC, marking a monumental achievement that further solidifies his standing as a top middleweight contender.
Chimaev’s incredible performance is sure to stir debate about the next title shot in the division. While Sean Strickland is currently slated to face Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title, Chimaev’s domination of Whittaker adds pressure on the UFC to consider him for a title opportunity. His grappling dominance, relentless pressure, and newfound claim to having “almost broken” Whittaker’s jaw only reinforce his readiness for championship contention.
If this fight is any indication, Khamzat Chimaev is a force to be reckoned with, and his victory at UFC 308 may have finally secured him a path to UFC gold.
