Chimaev runs through Whittaker with violent 1st-round submission
Khamzat Chimaev might be next in line for a UFC middleweight title shot after a one-sided performance against former champion Robert Whittaker.
Chimaev submitted Whittaker with a rear-naked choke at the 3:34 mark of the first round in the UFC 308 co-main event Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
It was the biggest and most impressive win of Chimaev's career and will move him into the division's top five. Whittaker was ranked No. 3 coming in, while Chimaev was No. 13.
"Dana, what's wrong with the UFC, man? Give me the belt!" Chimaev said in his postfight interview, calling for a shot at middleweight champ Dricus Du Plessis.
Chimaev scored a takedown and took Whittaker's back in the first 30 seconds of the fight. Chimaev displayed tremendous strength and control as he dragged Whittaker around on the mat and advanced into more dominant positions. Whittaker briefly returned to his feet, but Chimaev took him right back down.
With a minute-and-a-half left in the round, Chimaev locked up a violent submission while on Whittaker's back and almost immediately forced the tap.
The tall tale of Khamzat Chimaev grows larger as he taps Robert Whittaker in one round pic.twitter.com/smWXW9Y6l9
— William - Open Note Grappling 📝 (@OpenNoteGrapple) October 26, 2024
Whittaker suffered damage to his teeth as a result of Chimaev's squeeze. UFC color commentator Daniel Cormier showed a photo of his injuries on the broadcast.
Chimaev improved to 8-0 in the UFC and 14-0 as a professional with the victory. "Borz" hadn't stepped into the cage since a majority decision win over former welterweight champ Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 last October.
Whittaker is now 2-2 in his last four Octagon appearances. He was coming off a first-round knockout of Ikram Aliskerov in June. Whittaker suffered his first submission loss in the UFC and first since 2011.