Robert Whittaker claims he is in top condition to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308: "I couldn't be more ready to beat him up"
Robert Whittaker last competed when he defeated Ikram Aliskerov via first-round knockout in June. It marked his second victory of 2024 as he previously defeated Paulo Costa via a unanimous decision at UFC 298. 'The Reaper' will make his return to the octagon when he faces Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in a rebooking of an originally scheduled June matchup.
Speaking on episode one of UFC 308 Embedded: Vlog Series, the No.3-ranked middleweight recently weighed in on the upcoming matchup. Whittaker announced his confidence in conditioning leading up to the fight. He said:
"We're here, Renzo Gracie Dubai. Just get some work in. Tighten the bolts, tighten the screws. I feel great coming into this fight. I'm really happy where I am physically, mentally. I couldn't be more ready to beat him up... I don't need motivation to beat him. I have all the motivation in the world. I've got a bunch of kids back home that expect me to do what I do and go home."
He continued:
"I've stepped in the octagon with the best fighters in the world. The best strikers in the world. The best wrestlers in the world. I have a wealth of experience under my belt and I look forward to putting him through the paces. I look forward to the test. I understand the hard fight that Chimaev's going to bring in oppose to me, but that's how I get stronger, that's how I get better. The harder the challenge, the greater the triumph."
Check out Robert Whittaker's comments on his upcoming bout with Khamzat Chimaev below (starting at the 7:27 mark):
Whittaker also spoke about entering the fight in his best shape. He will look to make a statement and earn the opportunity to fight for UFC gold in the upcoming middleweight title eliminator against Chimaev.
Robert Whittaker reveals how he believes he matches up with Khamzat Chimaev
There will be plenty on the line when Robert Whittaker faces Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 this weekend. 'The Reaper' recently shared how he believes he matches up against his upcoming opponent on the UFC 308 Countdown, stating:
"If I give him half a chance, he'll kill me, but I take confidence because of how well-rounded I am. I'm exceptional at it all. I'm faster, I'm a better striker and I have better instincts. I'm a hard guy to take down. I am confident that my skills are better than his... This isn't a wrestling match. This is an MMA fight. I'm going to look to stuff his takedowns and I'm going to beat him up."
Check out Robert Whittaker's comments on Khamzat Chimaev below (starting at the 45:51 mark):
Whittaker noted that their fight would take all of his focus and willpower. While Chimaev remains undefeated in his mixed martial arts career, this weekend's clash will be his first against a ranked middleweight in a five-round fight.