“I don’t want a war dude…” Robert Whittaker hesitatingly admits Khamzat Chimaev fight could be five-round war

Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimae­v remains one of the most anticipated fights of 2023. This fight remains a challenge for Whittaker and Chimaev. Whittaker will have to prove his worthiness to fight for the title again. On the other hand, Chimaev finally faces the most daring challenge of his career. As such, Whittaker has revealed expectations for the upcoming fight.

UFC Fight Night Whittaker’s vs. Chimaev is Saudi Arabia’s first non-numbered card. With this June 22nd event in Riyadh, the Kingdom enters ESPN MMA‘s fold of hosting Fight Night grinds on their turf. Khamzat Chimae­v, 13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC, boasts quite a grappling prowess. But the elite striker in Whittaker trusts his skills. However, he does not want to test the theory in a drawn-out brawl.

I don't wanna say it, but I think... the most likely outcome... is like a 5-round war. But I don't want a 5-round war dude. I'd love to get in there and put him away in the first minute...He's a tough dude, and I think this is gonna be a tough fight...

Robert Whittaker via Submission Radio

While he trusts himself to get it done, he admits that Chimaev poses quite a challenge. Hence, speaking to co-hosts Kacoer Rosolowski and Denis Skhuratov of Submission Radio, he indicated a title shot for defeating a hyped star like Chimaev. CEO Dana White also has declared this as the #1 contender bout,  setting it as the UFC Saudi Arabia main event.

Khamzat Chimae­v hasn’t done as much as Whittaker has in his career run as of yet. So, ‘The Reaper’ isn’t far from believing he’s on the right trajectory against the rival. However, according to current bettor odds by Sportsbetting.ag, ‘Borz’ is a heavy -220 favorite against underdog Whittaker. Hence, he has quite the uphill task ahead of him, only to get tougher with the #1 contender implications.

Robert Whittaker weighs in on Israel Adesanya as a title challenger

Robert Whittaker fights Khamzat Chimae­v on June 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Their Saudi Arabia headliner has clear title implications. With Chimaev demanding his title shot after his win at UFC 294, his calls were answered.

However, a slight wrinkle in both their dreams comes from Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. Du Plessis indicated in an IG post that he could soon make his maiden defense against Adesanya (24-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC).

This will likely happen on Aug. 17 at the RAC Arena in Perth. The event marks the promotion’s trilogy appearance in Perth. Whittaker addressed the UFC 305 rumors and felt Adesanya could have the immediate title shot.

I think Adesanya fighting for a title again hurts me, but I understand. Dricus asked for it...He’s the champ, gets what he wants. Adesanya is a draw... Mate, it seems like the fight that was going to happen, in my opinion...

Robert Whittaker via the MMArcade Podcast Episode 37

The rivalry of Adesanya and Du Plessis remains too good of an opportunity for the UFC to pass on. As such, Whittaker or Chimaev will have to win until Adesanya and Du Plessis complete their bout. If so, the winner of Chimaev vs. Whittaker might not receive the title shot until the year’s end or next year. For now, Whittaker remains focused on Chimaev and not the title shot.

In case you missed it:

• Joe Rogan believes Khamzat Chimaev will face first real 185-pound challenge against ‘beefy former champion’ Robert Whittaker
• “He likes to play villain…” Robert Whittaker gives first reaction to Dana White’s stunning Khamzat Chimaev fight announcement

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