The UFC has rescheduled an intriguing middleweight fight between the former champion [autotag]Robert Whittaker[/autotag] It is [autotag]Khamzat Chimaev[/autotag] for UFC 308.
Preview of Robert Whittaker vs.
Whittaker (26-7 MMA, 17-5 UFC) and Chimaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) were originally scheduled to headline UFC Saudi Arabia in June, but Chimaev’s health issues meant the fight was cancelled. Now they will try it in a three-round fight.
Chimaev made an unforgettable impact on the UFC in 2020 after winning two fights in 10 days, but has struggled to stay active for a variety of reasons. Chimaev, the number 9 fighter in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie midfield ratings, defeated Kamaru Usman in his most recent fight, last October at UFC 294, and will now try to gain momentum. A win over Whittaker could be all he needs to secure a title shot, given how much Dana White has praised him.
Meanwhile, No. 4 Whittaker will once again face a lower-ranked foe. He destroyed Chimaev’s replacement, Ikram Aliskerov, by first-round knockout at UFC on ABC 6, then said he would accept a rescheduling with Chimaev if that was what the promotion wanted. Whittaker will look to add Chimaev’s name to his winning streak alongside Aliskerov and Paulo Costa to prove he deserves a chance to regain the 185-pound title.
Robert Whittaker vs Khamzat Chimaev odds
Whittaker is the former champion with the most experience and the most activity as of late, but oddsmakers have him listed as a +176 underdog, with Chimaev coming back as a -230 favorite via FanDuel.
How to watch Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 306
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When: Saturday, October 27, 2024
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Where: Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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Transmission/Transmission: ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN+
For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC 308.
This article was originally published on MMA Junkie: Robert Whittaker x Khamzat Chimaev: odds and what to know before the fight at UFC 308
