SUMMARY
- Robert Whittaker will face Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia.
- Chimaev, a proven wrestler, might have to stray away from grappling as Whittaker has a strong record against a former Olympic medalist wrestler.
UFC CEO Dana White made a blockbuster announcement regarding UFC Saudi Arabia. The event is set to take place on June 22, 2024, and the main event will feature a middleweight bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker.
BOOOOOOM!!!!!!
UFC is heading to Saudi Arabia for the first time with a BAD ASS card, headlined by Whittaker vs Chimaev LIVE and FREE on ABC on June 22nd pic.twitter.com/2OZW2AEmLH
— danawhite (@danawhite) March 28, 2024
UFC Saudi Arabia was initially scheduled for March 2024. However, the event was postponed as reports suggested that Saudi Arabian authorities were not impressed with the fight card. This time out, Dana White is making no mistake.
The other fights announced for the card are a heavyweight bout: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov, a welterweight bout: Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez, a light heavyweight bout: Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir, a middleweight bout: Sharabutdin Magomedov vs. Ihor Potieria, and a lightweight bout: Nasrat Haqparast vs. Jared Gordon.
Khamzat Chimaev vs Robert Whittaker
Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov
Kelvin Gastelum vs Daniel Rodriguez
Johnny Walker vs Volkan Oezdemir
Sharaputdin Magomedov vs Ihor Poteiriaall announced by Dana White
what grade do you give this FN card?? ⬇️
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) March 28, 2024
In this article, we will focus on why Robert Whittaker could threaten Chimaev’s undefeated record. At this point in the middleweight division, Chimaev looks like an outright favorite to win the title. His outstanding wrestling abilities coupled with his striking can take him to new heights. However, Kiwi-born Whittaker has proven quality in takedown defense. He fought one of the best wrestlers in the UFC and thwarted him.
Robert Whittaker’s outstanding takedown defense against Yoel Romero
Yoel Romero is an Olympic Games silver medallist, a World Championship gold medallist, and a three-time World Cup gold medallist in freestyle wrestling. The Cuban wrestler was up against Robert Whittaker for the first time at UFC 213.
Romero’s fighting depended on his grappling success and Whittaker was rugged in his defense. At UFC 213, Whittaker defeated Romero via unanimous decision. The Cuban attempted 18 takedowns but succeeded only four times.
At UFC 225, Romero was considerably better but still not good enough. He completed three takedowns in 10 attempts. This time, he lost the fight via split decision.
How can Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev play out?
Chimaev might have to alter his tactics coming into this fight. He cannot rely on his wrestling technique against Whittaker. Although current middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis easily took down the Kiwi-born fighter, it was later rumored that Whittaker was injured.
The former middleweight champion has an overall takedown defense of 82%. Meanwhile, Chimaev averages almost four takedowns every 15 minutes in his UFC career. Borz pulled off four takedowns against Kamaru Usman. However, in Usman’s defense, it was a middleweight bout and he agreed to fight on short notice. Four takedowns are still an impressive feat.
Chimaev (13-0) is still a favorite against Whittaker (26-7). Reports suggest that this is also a #1 contender fight for the title. The Chechen-born fighter will face difficulties in incorporating wrestling in the fight but he can adapt and overcome.
