Quick tap! Khamzat Chimaev crushes Robert Whittaker’s jaw, wins pivotal Abu Dhabi showdown via submission | UFC 308

*** HIGHLIGHTS! Watch Khamzat Steamroll Whittaker On Fight Island! ***

Thomas Myers is a trailblazer in the mixed martial arts (MMA) media industry, founding MMAmania.com at a time when it had yet to hit the mainstream (2006) and managing the always-popular online destination for almost two successful decades ever since.

He made it ... did he ever (watch highlights).

After months of legitimate concern, Khamzat Chimaev — who has been sidelined with illness and injury all year — finally made the walk to the Octagon to fight Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 this afternoon (Sat., Oct., 26, 2024) on “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi.

The long-awaited Middleweight showdown — billed as a potential 185-pound title eliminator — pitted two of the division’s most formidable forces against each other. While Chimaev’s raw power and relentless pressure have made him a fan favorite, Whittaker’s tactical prowess and championship experience presented his toughest challenge to date.

Could the struggling Chechen extend his undefeated streak or would Whittaker emerge victorious and solidify his position as Dricus Du Plessis’ next title challenger?

Live updates will begin to flow below the moment the two fighters make their way to the Octagon ...

Round One

Jason Herzog was the third man in the cage as Whittaker opened up with a low kick to get the action started. Khamzat dove in from a mile, was able to pull himself in on a double-leg takedown, and he was on Whittaker’s back within 30 seconds. Whittaker attempted to used the cage to work his way back to his feet as Khamzat boxed his ears and attempted to gain full control. He had Whittaker against the fence, on one knee, just drilling him with knees to the thigh to soften up “The Reaper.” He was eventually able to get both hooks in, but just when it looked like he could angle for a submission, Whittaker scrambled out ... but Khamzat caught him before he could return to his feet. He remained on top of Whittaker, going for another rear-naked choke, but the Aussie rolled to safety once again. Khamzat tried to break his grip, eventually was able to, then sunk it under Whittaker’s chin for a super quick tap.

Final result: Khamzat submits Whittaker via face crank / rear-naked choke in round one — WATCH HIGHLIGHTS!

LIVE! Watch UFC 308 PPV On ESPN+ Here!

‘FIGHT ISLAND’ FIRECRACKER! Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) returns to “Fight Island” in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on Sat., Oct. 26, 2024, with a thrilling 145-pound championship clash between freshly-crowned kingpin, Ilia Topuria, making his first-ever title defense against former division deity, Max Holloway. In UFC 308’s pay-per-view (PPV) co-headliner, former Middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, will face off against the oft-injured (and ill) Khamzat Chimaev, with the winner inching one step closer to a future 185-pound title shot. UFC 308 will also feature the pivotal 205-pound showdown between Magomed Ankalaev vs. Aleksandar Rakic, the return of one-eyed Shara Magomedov and so much more! UFC 308’s start time is scheduled for 10 a.m. ET (Prelims card) and 2 p.m. ET (PPV main card).

Don’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action!

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