Khamzat Chimaev's return to the Octagon was a resounding success, as he submitted former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the first round of their UFC 308 co-main event. Chimaev's victory was as dominant as it was shocking, and it was further overshadowed by the gruesome injury Whittaker sustained during the fight.
Whittaker had looked to be back in contention for a title shot after two consecutive wins earlier this year. But a shocking defeat at the hands of Chimaev has now cast doubt over whether he will ever get another opportunity to fight for the championship.
Chimaev Dominates Whittaker in First Round
The fight began with Chimaev taking Whittaker down just 15 seconds into the first round. From there, Chimaev controlled the fight, relentless in his pursuit of a finish. Chimaev eventually secured a rear-naked choke, but Whittaker tapped out not because of the choke itself, but due to a severe injury to his jaw.
Whittaker's Jaw Injury
A graphic photo of Whittaker's jaw, shared by UFC commentator Daniel Cormier, revealed the extent of the damage. Whittaker's front teeth were dislodged and pushed back towards his throat, and his mouth was filled with blood. This graphic photo has been circulating heavily on social media, highlighting the brutal nature of the fight.
Chimaev confirmed that he felt something wrong with Whittaker's jaw during the fight, and admitted that he felt bad about the injury. "I felt something was wrong with his chin when I pushed it. I feel bad. I didn’t mean to break his chin, but it’s my work. If I make someone feel pain, it makes me I’m happy," he said in a post-fight interview.
Chimaev Eyes Title Shot After Dominant Win
Chimaev's win over Whittaker was his fourteenth straight victory, and it put him firmly in the conversation for a title shot. He has now defeated two former UFC champions in a row, and his dominant performances have earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the world.
Despite White's initial hesitation, Chimaev's performance was so dominant that he may have no choice but to grant him a title shot. The UFC middleweight division is currently in a state of flux, with champion Dricus du Plessis having just defeated Whittaker’s former rival, Sean Strickland. Chimaev's emphatic win has put him in a prime position to challenge for the title. The question now is, when will that opportunity come?
Aftermath and Reactions
Whittaker's submission loss was the first of his career, and the graphic photos of his jaw injury have made his defeat a major talking point in the MMA world. The loss has likely set back his quest for a title shot, and fans and analysts alike are wondering whether he will be able to recover from this setback.
Chimaev, meanwhile, is riding a wave of momentum. He has earned the respect of his peers, and his confidence is sky-high. With his sights set on the title, he is ready to take on the best in the world. It remains to be seen if he will get his shot in the near future. However, his victory over Whittaker has cemented his status as a major threat to the middleweight title.
Looking Ahead
This fight was a huge turning point for both fighters. Whittaker has a long road to recovery ahead of him, both physically and mentally. While Chimaev is now firmly in the title picture, he must continue to prove himself in the Octagon. This fight has set the stage for an exciting middleweight division in the future.
