Whittaker’s Recovery Post-Chimaev Fight
Robert Whittaker, the former UFC middleweight champion, recently faced a tough setback in the Octagon, suffering a first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev that left him with a broken jaw and three shattered teeth. This incident occurred in October, but Whittaker has since made a full recovery and is gearing up for his upcoming fight against Reinier de Ridder in the UFC Abu Dhabi main event.
Feeling Better Than Ever
Whittaker spoke about his recovery on “The Ariel Helwani Show,” stating, “Perfect, mate. Better than before.” He explained that he underwent dental surgery, which involved removing his damaged teeth and placing implants, a process that took some time to adjust. He feels ready and more prepared than before the injury.
The Significance of Whittaker vs. Chimaev
The match between Whittaker and Chimaev acted as an unofficial title eliminator, setting the stage for Chimaev’s championship bout against UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 on August 16. Whittaker had a previous encounter with du Plessis in July 2023, leading to an upset loss that surprised many fans and analysts.
Analyzing the Chimaev vs. Du Plessis Showdown
Whittaker shared his insights on the upcoming bout between Chimaev and du Plessis, emphasizing that he believes Chimaev must finish early to secure a win. “If he can’t get Dricus out in the first, which he can, I think Dricus will look good,” he asserted. Whittaker acknowledges Chimaev’s first-round finish capabilities, which make that scenario plausible.
Whittaker’s Future Aspirations
At 34 years old, Whittaker remains a serious contender in the 185-pound division and understands that time is running out for one last title run, a fitting conclusion to his illustrious career. “Realistically, I only want to fight for a couple more years,” he explained, noting that he envisions a potential championship ending as a perfect finale to his journey.
Reflecting on Past Losses
Whittaker has been a consistent force in the middleweight division since 2014, with only a handful of losses to high-caliber opponents. While the defeat to Chimaev was particularly impactful, he remains haunted by his second-round stoppage against du Plessis. He expresses a strong desire to redeem himself against du Plessis, considering it the ideal way to close out his MMA career.
Acknowledging Du Plessis’ Resilience
Whittaker commented on du Plessis, stating that he believes the fighter’s mindset significantly influences his performance. He admires du Plessis’ determination and toughness but feels confident in his own capabilities. “I’d like to fight him again. That would be the icing on the cake,” Whittaker remarked, expressing his conviction that he can overcome past mistakes and emerge victorious in a rematch.
