Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Arena is all set to welcome fight fans coming to witness the promotion’s most stacked fight card for 2024 yet, UFC 308. This event features the most awaited fight of the year, where middleweight star Khamzat Chimaev will look to silence his doubters as he squares off against former champion Robert Whittaker in a grueling five-round battle.

Whittaker is already prepared for the full 25 minutes and confirmed his readiness yesterday at UFC Media Day. He stated, “I’ve prepared for the hardest fight of my life, to start extremely hard, like sprinting for the first five to ten minutes, but also drag it out to five rounds. I’m ready to sprint for 25 minutes if needed. I’m coming in for war.”

However, Chimaev is not so sure. During the recent UFC 308 pre-fight conference, he opened up about his intentions to dampen Whittaker’s plans when asked about them. He stated, “I don’t think so. We need 25. I’m here to finish somebody; I’m here to fight, man. So maybe come here and jump around like King Gurman—I don’t know. I am here for a fight, and I fight from the first to the last round, trying to finish the game as I am doing.”

Chimaev’s vulnerability is often seen in the form of his cardio, which allows him to adopt an explosive style in the early rounds that leads him to drain his gas tank in the latter rounds. This is evident in his record; he has never fought beyond three rounds, as shown in his bouts against top names like Kamaru Usman and Gilbert Burns. To secure a victory against Robert Whittaker, he needs to finish the fight in the early rounds, as highlighted by Anthony Smith.

Anthony Smith delivers a reality check to Khamzat Chimaev

Anthony Smith is one of the fighters in the UFC whose experience has earned him the status of a veteran. Recently, he assessed Khamzat Chimaev’s career in the UFC. While Chimaev is undoubtedly an exceptional athlete, his body has failed him during critical moments, as he has fallen ill before important fights. However, it’s not just his illness that is the issue; Chimaev’s endurance during fights is a matter of concern.

Smith recently raised this point while speaking to Michael Bisping. He stated, “I had some Khamzat comparisons where if he could have fought at the pace he fought at for the first two rounds or two and a half rounds… If he could do that for five—he’s unstoppable. The problem is, like you said, you can’t fight like that for 25 minutes. It’s too much of an output at our size. Some of the smaller guys can fight at that pace, but it’s just not quite as impactful when they land. Khamzat is very similar.”

What’s your take on Khamzat Chimaev’s remark? Do you think he can finish the main event of UFC 308 in the early rounds, or will Robert Whittaker’s experience prevent Chimaev from achieving his goals? Drop your opinion below!