Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev result: Khamzat scores first-round submission victory

Tom Naghten

•
Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev result: Khamzat scores first-round submission victory image

Khamzat Chimaev scored a first-round submission victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, almost certainly booking himself into a middleweight title shot.

For the first time in 13 years, Whittaker lost by submission, tapping to a face crank in the opening round in what was a scary display of Chimaev's grappling prowess and power.

The Russian shot for a double-leg takedown in the opening seconds and, while Whittaker defended gamely for several minutes, he wasn't able to shake off Chimaev, who eventually took his back and secured the submission.

MORE: Live updates and results from UFC 308

"Thanks Robert. I love you, my brother, you've been always picture for me," Chimaev said post-fight.

"You're a legend. Respect he took the fight with me. No one wants to fight with me, all the champions are running from me."

Whittaker's tap came extremely quickly after the crank was locked in, with Chimaev suggesting that the Australian former champion may have suffered an injury.

"I felt his chin is almost broken, I felt something wrong, a click," he said.

Later, on the broadcast, Daniel Cormier showed a photo which showed Whittaker's bottom jaw in an awful state.

Here's how it all went down:

Khamzat Chimaev submits Robert Whittaker in round one

Round 1: The pair trade low kicks to open up before Chimaev shoots a double leg. Whittaker sprawls but Chimaev is able to get control along the fence. Whittaker defending but Khamzat has his back and is working and now has both hooks in but Whittaker scrambles and briefly escapes. Khamzat quick to regain control of the exchange with one hook in. Whittaker taps! A face crank was only just sunk in before the tap came, Whittaker possibly suffered an injury.

6:59 am AEDT: Whittaker makes his way to the cage, "Can't Be Stopped" blaring through the speakers, mean mug on, as usual. Let's go

6:55am AEDT: The walkouts are underway, Chimaev up first

Where to watch Whittaker vs. Chimaev in Australia

The UFC 308 main card is available via pay-per-view on Foxtel's Main Event, which also requires a subscription. Alternatively, the event can be purchased through streaming platform Kayo, with no subscription needed. The PPV price for UFC 308 is $59.95.

The prelims, starting at 1 a.m. AEDT (Sunday) will air on UFC Fight Pass and Kayo.

UFC 308 full card results

Main Card

  • Ilia Topuria (c) def. Max Holloway via TKO (1:34 into round three)
  • Khamzat Chimaev def. Robert Whittaker via rear-naked choke (3:34 into round one)
  • Magomed Anakalev def. Aleksandar Rakic via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) 
  • Lerone Murphy def. Dan Ige via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) 
  • Shara Magomedov def. Armen Petrosyan via KO (4:52 into round two)

Prelims

  • Ibo Aslan def. Raffael Cerqueira via TKO (0:51 into round one)
  • Geoff Neal def. Rafael dos Anjos via TKO (1:30 into round one)  
  • Mateusz Rebecki def. Myktybek Orolbai via split decision (28–29, 29–28, 29–28)
  • Abus Magomedov def. Brunno Ferreira via arm triangle (3:14 into round three)
  • Kennedy Nzechukwu def. Chris Barnett via TKO (4:27 into round one)
  • Farid Basharat def. Victor Hugo via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) 
  • Ismail Naurdiev def. Bruno Silva via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) 
  • Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Carlos Leal via unanimous decision (29–28, 29–28, 30–27)

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.