Concern for Khamzat Chimaev Rises as MMA Insider Questions Robert Whittaker Fight – “Why Would He Want to Do It?”

Khamzat Chimaev‘s fate has been setteled by Dana White. The undefeated ‘Wolf’ would now be facing against the former middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker. Their fight is scheduled to take place on June 22 in Saudi Arabia. Their clash would be the UFC’s debut in Saudi Arabia.

All things aside, Chimaev wanted a title shot after he feuded with Kamaru Usman but seems like Dana White had other plans for the Emeriti. White promised a middleweight title shot if Chimaev defeats Usman at UFC 294 and he certainly did. But the CEO seems to have diverted from his words. Chimaev’s next fight might be the number one contender match, however, Chael Sonnen has his doubts.

Chael Sonnen raised questions over Khamzat Chimaev’s number-one contender spot

Even after defeating the former welterweight champion through a unanimous decision, Chimaev had to step away from the Octagon due to his hand injury and sickness. The undefeated fighter stated that he had a swollen face, rashes on his skin, reddened eyes, and even rested on a hospital bed with an oxygen mask on his face due to infection.

Despite promising a title shot, looking at Chimaev’s condition, White might have passed the opportunity to Dricus Du Plessis. Regardless, ‘Borz is back now and seems like he wants a challenge. Former UFC fighter and UFC insider, Chael Sonnen has given his take on Chimaev’s demand for the number one spot at the middleweight belt. 

“This rumor is not new, and the last fight that Chimaev may have had was said to be a number one contenders match. Chimaev may have won, so it feels as though Chimaev has already qualified for the title match. “Now, this industry changes really fast, right? And I will remind you that it was a co-main event spot. So Chimaev is being rewarded, he is being promoted. He will now take over a main event spot, which I believe is his first time,” said Sonnen.

He further added.“Why is he going to do it? It’s a really hard thing. I mean, that’s a really hard night out for both guys, so it would seem that we could speculate that at least a hint of an idea is this is where we’re going to find our number-one contender.”

Sonnen believes that Chimaev will be rewarded when the time comes. Yet, Chimaev has not yet competed against any proper middleweight fighter and Whittaker is excited to face someone who is undefeated in his career.

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Robert Whittaker is excited to face Chimaev

The former middleweight champion is coming off a decision victory against Paulo Costa and seems like he got his motivation back for competing after a barrage of defeats. Whittaker was not serious about his fight against Khamzat Chimaev until White came forward and announced that this would be the number one contender fight.

While in conversation with MMArcade Podcast Whittaker expressed his willingness to fight. “I do understand the task at hand, It’s going to be hard, and I’m going to be grinding my ass off this camp. I’m looking forward to it. It’s a good thing that after the last fight, I didn’t have any injuries. The body’s good. They offered me the fight. I fought four (or) five weeks ago at this point. I’m ready. Just give me another one. I’m in a great headspace to take another hard fight. I’m looking forward to it,” said Whittaker.

Khamzat Chimaev has yet to defeat any middleweight fighter and to have him go against the former champion is a bit overkill but according to the MMA community, it is a perfect matchup as Chimaev is the betting favorite in the match. Nonetheless, what’s your take on their matchup? State your thoughts in the comments below.

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