As UFC 308 Abu Dhabi draws closer, predictions for the highly anticipated co-main event between former champion Robert Whittaker and undefeated sensation Khamzat Chimaev (13-0-0) are flooding in from across the MMA community. The fight has generated considerable excitement, with many eager to see how the two fighters will fare against each other.

Recently, UFC middleweight contender and ‘Borz’s’ former training partner, Caio Borralho, conveyed his predictions in an interview with Submission Radio, stating that Chimaev will dominate Whittaker. He voiced, “I think Khamzat is going to like dominate him in the wrestling, on the ground.” This bold claim turned heads and was recently brought up to ‘The Reaper’ in his appearance at the YouTube podcast MMArcade with host Jonny Roses. Yet, Whittaker turned the warning back on Borralho, claiming that Borralho, who is also in the promotion’s middleweight division, is afraid of Chimaev but not him.

Whittaker dismissed the notion with, “He’s pumping Chimaev’s tires up a lot, and Caio’s in his division as well, right? If you’re freaking out already, dude, like, it’s, come on. I know Chimaev is a good wrestler, okay? So, it’s no surprise that in the gym, I’m wrestling so much.”

Robert Whittaker further showcased his confidence in his training, stating, “If he beats me, like, dominates me in wrestling, and I’ve done everything in the book, everything, and I’ve absolutely ticked every box, no stone unturned in the gym, then what do you do? You know what do you do? But you can bet your bottom dollar that I am training like a beast in preparation for this fight.”

For his stint against Khamzat Chimaev, Whittaker went through training camp twice. Originally, the fight was scheduled for the summer at the first UFC event in Saudi Arabia. However, due to ‘Borz’s’ illness. Dagestani fighter Ikam Aliskerov was a late replacement, but Whittaker swiftly knocked him out. But this time, all hints are toward the fight finally materializing.

In light of Chimaev’s illness, during an interview with Submission Radio, Caio Borralho also divulged why his former training partner was often sick.

Caio Borralho on Chimaev’s recurrent illnesses

It’s not unreasonable to dub Khamzat Chimaev the ‘King of withdrawals,’ as pulling out of fights has almost become a routine for him. His latest withdrawal from UFC’s inaugural event in Saudi Arabia is a prime example. This pullout, just two weeks before the fight, threw a wrench in plans to cement his status Middle Eastern market. At the time, ‘Borz’s’ team cited a compromised immune system and over-training as the reasons.

His former training partner confirmed Chimaev’s over-training habits in an interview with Submission Radio. Borralho said, “He trains a lot. Like, I haven’t seen any other guy in my life that trains as much as he trains, you know. Maybe that’s why sometimes he, like, kills his body and doesn’t make it to the fight. But definitely, he’s the guy that over-trains everyone in the room.”

What are your thoughts on Caio Barralho’s warning to Robert Whittaker? Do you think Khamzat Chimaev, who remains undefeated, can easily dominate the former champion when they clash in Abu Dhabi? Drop your thoughts below.