Chimaev vs Whittaker – UFC 308. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
protagonist of UFC Abu Dhabi, scheduled for next Saturday (26), Robert whittaker returns to the octagon seeking redemption after a tough loss to Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 308. On that occasion, the Australian was finished with a rear naked choke and, when trying to defend himself, he 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 my teeth pulled, implants put in, and then it took a while to fix, settle, and all that. But now it's all done, I've had plenty of time. It's, like I said, better than ever," he 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 in the UFC 290. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Despite the injury in the loss to Chimaev, Whittaker has a much more painful defeat in his UFC career. The setback for Dricus Du Plessis still weighs on the conscience of the former champion, who believes he let slip away 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 confrontation between Khamzat Shimaev e Dricus Du Plessis No. UFC 319 and pointed out that the start of the fight will be decisive. For him, Chimaev needs to settle the fight in the first round, preferably with a submission on the ground. Otherwise, he believes Du Plessis can grow into the fight and eventually prevail, as he usually does when he resists 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 in UFC 319, scheduled for August 16, Robert whittaker faces Ridder's Reinier next Saturday (26), in the main fight of UFC Abu Dhabi.
You need login To comment.