The UFC gave Robert Whittaker a dangerous next assignment, but it will be a high-risk, high-reward fight for The Reaper as a title shot is on the line for him against Khamzat Chimaev on 22 June 2024… and UFC boss Dana White has made a huge claim about the winner.
Robert Whittaker has always talked about wanting to win his old belt back, after returning to the winner’s circle at UFC 298. Now, Bobby Knuckles has the opportunity to make good on his promise, with a huge middleweight fight slated against Khamzat Chimaev in Saudi Arabia.
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Last week, UFC President Dana White announced the promotion’s first foray in Saudi Arabia. According to White, the main event will feature Whittaker against Khamzat Chimaev in a No.1 contender bout.
“On Saturday, June 22nd, we’ll be on to Saudi Arabia. Our first fight in the Kingdom will be a Fight Night that will air live for free on ABC and the main event will be former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker versus 13-0 undefeated Khamzat Chimaev to see who will be the no. 1 contender for the UFC middleweight championship.”
Dana White
Whittaker won the UFC middleweight title by defeating Yoel Romero at UFC 213 in 2017 but conceded it to Israel Adesanya two years later at UFC 243. Bobby Knuckles worked his way back in the rankings and got another crack at Izzy at UFC 271, but he lost the fight via decision. He beat later Marvin Vettori and lost to current champion Dricus DuPlessis before emerging victorious against Paulo Costa last February.
Meanwhile, Chimaev is undefeated in 13 fights, including 7 inside the Octagon. Borz has moved back and forth between the 170 and 185-pound weight classes but is coming off an impressive UFC 294 win over Kamaru Usman at middleweight.
“Obviously it’s a bit of a shock because it comes out of nowhere,” Whittaker said. “I would have assumed UFC was going to hold me in the ranks for the Australia card in August, which is kind of what I was preparing for. But I’m happy UFC has given me this boon.”
“This is my path to the title. This is the way I earn money for my kids. To be able to do that so close — like I’ve said in other episodes, I want to increase my activity. God willing and my body’s healthy, there’s no reason I shouldn’t take this fight. What else am I going to be doing?”
Whittaker had been eyeing to fight in front of his countrymen with the UFC reportedly plotting a return to The Land Down Under possibly in August. In an interview with MMA Arcade, Whittaker said he would love to fight Sean Strickland or DuPlessis next. Well, he isn’t getting Dricus next but if he gets past Khamzat, the title shot is guaranteed.