The protagonist of UFC Abu Dhabi , scheduled for next Saturday (26), Robert Whittaker returns to the octagon in search of redemption after a tough defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308. On that occasion, the Australian was submitted with a rear-naked choke and, while trying to defend himself, ended up fracturing his jaw.
In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Whittaker detailed his long recovery process, which included tooth extractions, implant placement, and weeks of waiting for everything to settle properly. Now fully recovered, the former champion claims to be in excellent physical and mental shape, even better than before the injury.
“It took a while (to heal). I just had the teeth pulled, implants put in, and then it took a while for them to set in and settle. But now it’s all done, I had plenty of time. It’s, as I said, better than ever,” said Robert Whittaker.
Whittaker's teeth were pushed in after Chimaev struck him / Reproduction
Robert Whittaker says the fight against Dricus Du Plessis is the defeat that marked him the most
D. Du Plessis (right) defeated R. Whittaker at UFC 290. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Despite the injury sustained in his loss to Chimaev, Whittaker has a far more painful defeat in his UFC career. The loss to Dricus Du Plessis still weighs heavily on the conscience of the former champion, who believes he let slip a victory that was within his reach.
"Honestly, I really think I'm better than (Du Plessis). I think I'm better than everyone, even when I lose, you know? I know I came away from that fight feeling like I let myself down, and I want to make amends for that more than any of my other losses," Whittaker said.
Robert Whittaker pinpoints ideal scenario for Chimaev to defeat Du Plessis at UFC 319
Robert Whittaker analyzed the fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 319 and pointed out that the start of the fight will be decisive. According to him, Chimaev needs to finish the fight in the first round, preferably with a submission on the ground. Otherwise, he believes Du Plessis can grow into the fight and ultimately win, as he usually does when he withstands the initial pressure.
"Chimaev will put DDP on the ground. If he doesn't finish him there, I don't think he'll win. If you can't finish Dricus in the first round, what Chimaev can do is he's the kind of guy who, if you don't get rid of him, ends up winning," the former champion opined.
While his tormentors fight for the belt at UFC 319, scheduled for August 16, Robert Whittaker faces Reinier de Ridder next Saturday (26), in the main fight of UFC Abu Dhabi.
Watch Khamzat Chimaev's brutal submission win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308
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