Now we are just a few hours away from witnessing UFC’s most stacked fight card fight fans have eagerly awaited throughout the weeks. UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi is headlined by Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway, yet the spotlight shines on the co-main event showdown where undefeated middleweight star Khamzat Chimaev is set to face off against former champion Robert Whittaker. Initially scheduled for late summer during the promotion’s Saudi Arabia debut, the fight was pushed back due to ‘Borz’s’ health issues.

Now Chimaev has returned, having experienced significant changes in his life, and is determined to move past his previous challenges. This matchup presents a difficult scenario to predict, reminiscent of the phrase “unstoppable waves meet an immovable mountain.” Before delving into our predictions, let’s examine the middleweight contenders’ stats to assess their chances for victory.

 UFC 308 co-main event: Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker stats

To get into the UFC, 30-year-old Khamzat Chimaev did not have to struggle much to make his debut. His presence in just six previous fights was enough to catch the attention of UFC head honcho Dana White. In those six fights, ‘Borz’ remained undefeated and secured his spot in the promotion, which became even more solidified when he used a D’Arce choke to submit John Phillips in his first UFC fight. Chimaev has embodied his reputation as “Borz,” a wolf that dominates anyone who stands in his way during the early rounds of his bouts.

However, while Chimaev’s record looks impressive at first glance, there are some blemishes. His professional bouts have been affected by cancellations, primarily due to what some critics have labeled Khamzat Chimaev’s “poor immunity,” which has caused him to pull out of fights due to frequent illnesses.

On the other hand, Robert Whittaker, who is only three years older than Khamzat Chimaev, carries a veteran demeanor in the sport, having debuted a decade before ‘Borz’. ‘The Reaper’ has been on his UFC journey since 2012, maintaining a solid record with the promotion. With his experience, he has shown the ability to go the distance, easily handling fights that last 25 minutes or five rounds. Now, over a decade later, he boasts a 27-7 record and is currently on a two-fight winning streak.

With both fighters looking top-notch on paper, fans are left wondering who will emerge victorious: Khamzat Chimaev with his dynamic and aggressive fighting style or Robert Whittaker with his tactical expertise and tenacity. Let’s put on our thinking caps and analyze how this matchup might reach its conclusion.

Chimaev vs. Whittaker breakdown and prediction

In their upcoming battle, Khamzat Chimaev is regarded as the fan favorite, while Robert Whittaker carries the underdog status, despite his long tenure in the promotion. ‘Borz’ has several advantages in this fight, including better striking per minute, accuracy, and takedown defense, which are crucial for overall success.

However, despite Khamzat Chimaev’s strengths, ‘The Reaper’ has his own advantages, particularly given his awareness of ‘Borz’s’ gas tank and the fact that Chimaev is coming off an illness. Whittaker sees this as an opportunity, aiming to extend the fight beyond three rounds. He recently opened up about this on a UFC media day, stating, “I’m ready to sprint for 25 minutes if necessary, and I’m coming for war.” Chimaev’s recent battles with Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman sparked concerns regarding his stamina, an issue highlighted by many MMA pundits, including Chael Sonnen.

Now all eyes are on the upcoming UFC 308 co-main event. What are your predictions for this highly anticipated middleweight clash? Can Robert Whittaker’s experience lead him to a third consecutive victory against the undefeated Chechen wolf Khamzat Chimaev and his explosive fighting style? Share your thoughts below.