UFC middleweight Robert Whittaker revealed what it would be like facing rising star Khamzat Chimeav ahead of their June fight.
Whittaker who is a UFC veteran having made his UFC debut aged 21, is a formidable opponent for Chimeav.
The Australian also spoke about a potential fight between champion Dricus Du Plessis upcoming fight against Israel Adesanya.
Whittaker reveals preparation ahead of June 22nd clash with Chimeav
Speaking to ESPN Australia, Robert Whittaker revealed what his game plan would be when faced off with Chimeav in Saudi Arabia.
“The goal as with all my other opponents will be to ‘fight my fight’, going out there and pushing my game plan onto him and see how he adjusts to me.”
“I bring an arsenal of skillsets that he’s not ready for I believe”
“The surest way of victory is not to play to his strengths and not engaging in the wrestle but not be afraid of the grappling exchanges.”
I will fight a stand-up fight, see where it goes and drag it out, it’s a five round fight, I’ve been in plenty of those and I’ve got no quit in me.”
Robert Whittaker reveals how Chimeav fight came about
Speaking to ESPN Australia Whittaker said; “I was sat down with the family and got a text saying what do I think of fighting Chimeav on June 22nd in Saudi Arabia”
“My calendar was free so I was like why not”
Whilst this maybe a short turnaround for the Australian considering he fought Paulo Costa back in February, Robert Whittaker isn’t too bothered and wants to be more active in the Octagon this year.
“It’s been great; I have been able to retain so much fitness and strength as well as skills from the last camp.”
I haven’t been given that big buffer period to get fat, resting and eating too much, it’s much better and the preparation has been easier and enjoyable than the last.”
“I have said it before I want to be more active this year.”
Whittaker believes that a win over Chimeav would definitely open himself up to a title fight.
Robert Whittaker said; “I’ve beaten everybody else and to beat the bogeyman (Chimeav) of the division.”
“The guy everyone doesn’t want to fight. For sure it has to result in a title fight.”
Whittaker reveals prediction ahead of Dricus Du Plessis vs Israel Adesanya
Whilst the UFC hasn’t finalised any potential fight between middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya.
There are plenty of rumours circulating saying the pair will clash in August later this year.
The Australian weighted in on how the fight could potentially play out having faced both Du Plessis and Adesanya previously.
The middleweight said; “Before Dricus winning the belt you would have thought Adesanya would beat him up for five rounds, but in saying that he surprised a lot of people including me”
“He has a lot of heart and fight in him and he makes clean fights awkward.”
“He has a lot of grittiness in him I can see him making it a bit of a dog fight against Adesanya.”
“If you push Adesanya then it could turn into a repeat of the Strickland fight.”
“I can also see Adesanya piecing him up for five rounds.”
What are your predictions ahead of Whittaker vs Chimeav?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
