Robert Whittaker ready to prove he’s the ‘best middleweight in the world’ against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308

It has been about five years since Robert Whittaker last held the UFC middleweight title. Since losing the belt against Israel Adesanya, the Aussie has gone 6-2 and is ready to return to his former glory. 

The first step for Whittaker (26-7) to get back to title contention is facing the dangerous Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 on October 24. The fight is in Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi and airs on Kayo. 

Whittaker has worked his way up the ladder since the Adesanya loss. He lost against Adesanya in a rematch and eventual champion Dricus du Plessis in a title eliminator. Since then, “The Reaper” has won two straight and will prepare for the undefeated Chimaev (13-0), owner of five UFC performance bonuses. 

Chimaev has not fought since October 2023 following multiple health issues dating back to suffering lingering effects from COVID-19 in 2020. They were supposed to fight in June until Chimaev had to back out. If healthy, Chimaev is as menacing as any of the top fighters in the UFC. 

WATCH: Whittaker vs. Chimaev in the co-main event at UFC 308 on Kayo

Whittaker isn’t taking any chances and is ready for the fight of his life. A win brings him right back to potential glory.

“You can bet your bottom dollar that I am training like an animal right now on the mats,” Whittaker said on his MMArcade Podcast via MMA Junkie. “I am sweating and bleeding and leaving it all there in preparation for this fight, and I’m coming into this fight to leave it all there. 

“I don’t expect him to get tired or anything else. I expect him to come out aggressive, and to be super scary in the wrestling, and be very strong. I just think I’ve been in those waters before. I know how to tread. I’m good in there. I am the best middleweight in the world. Beating him will prove that, and I look forward to it.”

The fight will serve as the UFC 308 co-main event. The main event will see Ilia Topuria defend the UFC featherweight title against the former titleholder and current BMF champion Max Holloway.