2 weeks Ago By BoxingNews.com
Khamzat Chimaev takes on Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 this weekend as MMA fighters made their predictions. They were set to face off at UFC Saudi earlier in the year. However, the fight was called off after Chimaev pulled out due to illness.
That meant Chimaev has not fought since beating Kamaru Usman last year at UFC 294. He has fought at welterweight and middleweight as he eyes a title shot. The current UFC Middleweight Champion is Dricus Du Plessis, who is expected to face Sean Strickland next.
However, Chimaev has also spoken about the possibility of moving up to face Alex Pereira . But he will likely want to grab the middleweight belt before doing so. “Of course, I’ve been always open for that [fight against Pereira].
I know that stylistically, this match for me [is] much easier than other guys. But in striking, I’m honest, I know the guy can knock me out..
.The guy is [a] good striker, one of the best guys with hardest punches. But I’m one of the best grappler, best wrestler, he’s not that,” Chimaev said He cannot afford to overlook Whittaker.
Whittaker is an-ex UFC Middleweight Champion. He arrives into the fight with a first-round KO win against Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi. The fight is expected to be competitive, as shown by the different opinions on who would come out victorious.
Chimaev Vs. Whittaker “Heck who knows if it even happens? If it happens, I am pulling for Whittaker; I think the longer the fight goes, the better,” Geoff Neal (UFC welterweight) “Khamzat. I think he finishes Rob,” Dan Ige (UFC featherweight) “I like five rounds for Whittaker, and I think he gets the upset win against Chimaev,” Mario Bautista (UFC bantamweight) “Whittaker.
I think over five rounds he gets the win,” Vince Morales (UFC bantamweight) “You can’t not like Bobby Knuckles. I think Whittaker brings Chimaev into the deep waters and gets the win,” Alex Morono (UFC welterweight) “I think Whittaker. Israel had his number, and that’s why Whittaker hasn’t been the champ for so long.
I think Khamzat isn’t as dangerous at 185lbs,” Damon Jackson (UFC lightweight) “Whittaker is a veteran, and his chin isn’t as good as it used to be. But I think he is savvy enough, and his cardio is solid to get this win,” Eryk Anders (UFC middleweight) “I’m going with Khamzat because of his grappling. But I wouldn’t be surprised if Rob wins; to me, Chimaev will win,” Chad Anheliger (UFC bantamweight) Full Card Ilia Topuria vs Max Holloway (featherweight title) Robert Whittaker vs Khamzat Chimaev (middleweight) Lerone Murphy vs Dan Ige (featherweight) Magomed Ankalaev vs Aleksandar Rakic (light-heavyweight) Shara Magomedov vs Armen Petrosyan (middleweight) Prelims Geoff Neal vs Rafael dos Anjos (welterweight) Mateusz Rebecki vs Myktybek Orolbai (lightweight) Said Nurmagomedov vs Daniel Santos (bantamweight) Abus Magomedov vs Bruno Ferreira (middleweight) Kennedy Nzechukwu vs Justin Tafa (heavyweight) Faris Basharat vs Victor Hugo (bantamweight) Ismail Naurdiev vs Bruno Silva (middleweight) Rinat Fakhretdinov vs Nursulton Ruziboev (welterweight) Ibo Aslan vs Rafael Cerqueira (light-heavyweight) This article first appeared on BoxingNews.
com and was syndicated with permission..
