UFC 308 was highlighted by spectacular performances by Ilia Topuria, Khamzat Chimaev, and Shara Magomedov with Ilia Topuria becoming the first UFC fighter to knock out Max Holloway.
Khamzat Chimaev Defeats Robert Whittaker Via Submission
Khamzat Chimaev’s first fight in a year was a spectacular one, as he submitted former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in less than four minutes. Not surprisingly, Chimaev shot in for a takedown early, and then worked to take Whittaker’s back on the mat. Whittaker briefly scrambled out of trouble, but Chimaev was right back on him, and after working for a bit, he suddenly locked up a face crank that forced a tap out at 3:34 of the opening round.
With the win, the No. 13-ranked Chimaev moves to 14-0. The No. 3-ranked Whittaker falls to 27-8.
Khamzat Chimaev Broke Robert Whittaker’s Chin
Khamzat Chimaev broke Robert Whittaker’s jaw, leaving his mouth bloodied and his bottom row of teeth snapped out of place in a brutal first round demolition of the Australian in Abu Dhabi. During the post fight interview, Khamzat spoke on breaking Robert Whittaker’s chin stating, “I didn’t mean to break somebody’s chin, but this is my work, you know. Make somebody pain.”
Khamzat Chimaev Credits his Change to Fatherhood
In an interview, Khamzat Chimaev described how fatherhood changed him saying,”“Before I was crazy… now before [I do anything] I think about if my son grows up how’s he gonna see me. How will he think about me. What kind of man my father is?” He father said that he wished that his son would not have to choose to become a UFC and become better by being a doctor. However, he also clarified that it was upon his son to decide what he wanted to be in life.
Khamzat Chimaev describes how fatherhood changed him:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 25, 2024
“Before I was crazy… now before [I do anything] I think about if my son grows up how’s he gonna see me.
How will he think about me. What kind of man my father is?” 🙏❤️
🎥 @Aansh_Jagwani #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/cpdWHZh3eQ
