Robert Whittaker vs Khamzat Chimaev Preview

The co-main event at UFC 308 will see UFC veteran Robert Whittaker take on the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev in a five-round bout. 

Whittaker has already featured in the octagon twice in 2024, defeating top ranked middleweight Paulo Costa over three rounds at UFC 298, and then a quick first round knockout of Ikram Aliskerov in June. “The Reaper” will be full of confidence heading into this one against Chimaev. 

Chimaev has not fought since October 2023, where he grinded out a decision win over former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. But this is the issue with “Borz”. He is largely inactive due to health issues, which his team now claims are well and truly behind him. Nevertheless, he still boasts an undefeated record and will be hoping to continue that at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.

Whittaker vs Chimaev: The Keys to Victory

The Australian, Robert Whittaker, is one of the most well-balanced fighters on the current UFC roster; he has good boxing and kickboxing, and his combinations are often slick and sneaky. He also has a solid grappling game, and a good takedown defence, which will of course be tested by Chimaev. 

For “Bobby Knuckles”, he really needs to make sure this fight is a fast-paced striking bout, where he can utilise his quick movement to bounce in and out of range all whilst popping off his sharp combinations. Because of Whittaker's karate background, he has a special ability to remain light on his feet while moving laterally, and this makes him very effective when it comes to counter-striking. 

In order to get his fluid shots off, he must nullify the wrestling threat of Chimaev, which we're sure he's worked on all throughout training camp.

The man from Chechnya, Chimaev, there is no getting away from what he'll be looking to do on fight night. He'll use his relentless pressure to force the former middleweight champ back to the cage fence so he can then shoot in for a double or single leg takedown and slam his man to the mat. 

Despite everyone fearing his powerful grappling, Chimaev uses that to his advantage in the stand-up; his opponents are too busy focusing on defending the takedown, they forget that he has knockout power in his hands, as seen on display in his brutal stoppage of Gerald Meerschaert.

We have seen Whittaker on this stage several times before, only he's never fought a grappling monster like Chimaev. On the other hand, there will be huge pressure on Chimaev to deliver in front of what is now his home fans in the United Arab Emirates, so could that pressure get to him and throw his game off? Will he be willing to take more risks on the feet in order to entertain the crowd? We shall see at UFC 308.

What do the Stats Say?

Jon Anik, Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier//Zuffa LLC

The stats tell us that Khamzat Chimaev has the advantage in significant strikes landed per minute (5.72) compared to Robert Whittaker's 4.58. Additionally, “Borz” holds a 58% striking accuracy versus “The Reaper” who has a 43% striking accuracy.

In terms of striking defence, the Aussie holds a slight edge in significant strikes absorbed per minute (3.44), as opposed to Chimaev's number (3.46). However, Whittaker has a clear advantage in striking defence percentage where he has a 59% defence. Chimaev has a 42% defence.

Where Chimaev holds a huge advantage though is in grappling; he averages just a shade under four takedowns landed per 15 minutes, with a 46% takedown accuracy. Whittaker averages less than a takedown per 15 minutes, with a 38% takedown accuracy. 

That's not really the number we should be paying attention to though from Whittaker's point of view; it's all about his takedown defence, which is at 82%. And if the former champ can't stuff Chimaev's takedowns then he'll be in for a tough time on the ground because the undefeated fighter averages under three submissions per 15 minutes, and he softens his opponents up with huge ground-and-pound strikes.