Slated to carry the Octagon to Saudi Arabia for the primary time in it’s historical past, Robert Whittaker has claimed his UFC on ABC 6 conflict with Khamzat Chimaev atop the ‘Battle Night time’ billed card got here as considerably of a “shock” – and admits to being virtually stunned on the reserving.
Whittaker, the present quantity three ranked middleweight contender, most not too long ago featured within the co-main occasion of UFC 298 again in February towards former title challenger, Paulo Costa, handing over a hard-fought unanimous resolution win.
And the previous champion – who had campaigned for a title rematch with former-foe, Dricus du Plessis within the aftermath of his victory over the Brazilian, has since booked a struggle with Chimaev, regardless of admitting how a showdown with the Chechen would pressure him to struggle down the rankings – finally one thing he reluctantly is doing.
Robert Whittaker breaks down Khamzat Chimaev struggle
Noting his curiosity in a title-eliminator towards shunned ex-champion, Sean Strickland after his win over Costa, fan-favorite veteran, Whittaker admitted that his struggle with surging finisher, Chimaev “got here out of nowhere” for the UFC Saudi Arabia major occasion.
“Clearly, it’s a little bit of a shock as a result of it comes out of nowhere,” Robert Whittaker mentioned on the MMArcade podcast. “I might have assumed UFC was going to carry me within the ranks for the Australia card in August, which is sort of what I used to be getting ready for. However, I’m comfortable UFC have given me this boon. That is my path to the title.”
“That is the way in which I earn cash for my youngsters,” Robert Whittaker defined. “To have the ability to do this so shut – like I’ve mentioned in different episodes, I need to improve my exercise. God prepared, and my physique’s wholesome, there’s no purpose I shouldn’t take this struggle. What else am I going to be doing?”
In Chimaev’s most up-to-date outing, the AllStars MMA staple turned in a detailed, debated resolution victory towards former undisputed welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman – in a short-notice UFC 294 co-headliner again in October.
Who wins at UFC Saudi Arabia in June: Robert Whittaker or Khamzat Chimaev?
