UFC 308: Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev: Live round-by-round updates
The UFC 308 Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev round-by-round updates are here. They provide fans with real-time coverage and live scoring of the middleweight title eliminator, set for five rounds. UFC 308, which the bout co-headlines, starts at 10:00 AM E.T. (Eastern Time) / 7:00 AM P.T. (Pacific Time).
However, the co-main event itself starts at 3:15 PM E.T. / 12:15 PM P.T. The bout has drawn a tremendous amount of hype for various reasons. First, the matchup will almost certainly crown the next middleweight title challenger for whoever will emerge victorious from the Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland rematch.
Second, Chimaev and Whittaker were previously scheduled to fight back at UFC on ABC 6 in Saudi Arabia in June. Unfortunately, 'Borz' withdrew from the fight due to illness. Third, Chimaev is undefeated at 13-0 and Whittaker, who is 26-7, is a former 185-pound champion, who represents his toughest-ever challenge.
Despite Whittaker being the more seasoned, proven fighter, the oddsmakers at DraftKings Sportsbook regard Chimaev as a -230 favorite, while Whittaker is a +190 underdog.
Follow Sportskeeda for play-by-play analysis and live scoring of the middleweight bout.
UFC 308: Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Round 1: Whittaker opens with a pair of low kicks, but Chimaev shoots for an immediate takedown right away and drags 'The Reaper' to the mat. Chimaev is on his back, but Whittaker is working hard to get back to his feet, but Chimaev's physicality is defining the grappling sequence.
Chimaev is still on his back, riding him every time he tries to stand back up. It's all Chimaev so far, who almost mounted Whittaker's back. Chimaev tried to get both hooks in but Whittaker scrambled for a brief escape, but 'Borz' is lightning-quick with the reversal, dragging him back down to the mat.
Some half-hearted punches from Chimaev as he controls Whittaker from the back. Chimaev uses a rear-naked choke to force Whittaker to roll, almost flattening him, but the former champion was wise to it. Some ground-and-pound from Chimaev before a neck-and-jaw crank forces an immediate tap from Whittaker.
This was complete domination.
Official Decision: Khamzat Chimaev def. Robert Whittaker via submission in round one (3:34)