The UFC announced a big bombshell. Chimaev will face a former champion in Saudi Arabia, the winner will fight for the title. It was a shock, Whittaker admits

The announcement of a big fight by the UFC was like a bolt from the blue. Undefeated Khamzat Chimaev has a huge challenge ahead of him, and he may finally get a title shot. But first, he must defeat a former champion. Robert Whittaker stands in his way.

The UFC announced some big news a few days ago. Fans can look forward to a great fight. The new champion Dricus Du Plessis, who came for the middleweight title in January this year, will learn the name of his first challenger for a change.

At the organisation’s first ever gala in Saudi Arabia, the star Khamzat Chimaev and former champion Robert Whittaker will appear. In the cage they will compete for the title fight.

It’s worth noting that Chimaev is still an undefeated fighter. He boasts a 13-0 record so far. But he’s also had a lot of luck. He could have easily lost the fight with Gilbert Burns on points, and in his welterweight debut, he faced the legendary Kamaru Usman.

But in the case of the duel with the former long-time welterweight champion, the fact that Usman took the fight on short notice played a role, among other things. He hadn’t had a full preparation. Had it been otherwise, he could have been the one to enjoy the victory. But you can’t play the if game.

So the controversial Chechen native has a huge challenge ahead of him and it is certain that Robert Whittaker will not give him much room for error. On the contrary. However, the Australian puncher himself admits that he was shocked by the composition of this fight.

Chimaev vs Whittaker? A bit of a shock, admits the former champion

“I was expecting the UFC to add me to the Australian card in August, I was preparing for it. So it’s a bit of a shock that I’ll be appearing in Saudi Arabia. It came out of nowhere. But I’m happy for it. It’s my way to a title, a way to make money for my kids. There was no reason for me not to go to the fight,” MMA Mania quotes the former champion.

“I’m excited to be a part of history and be at the first UFC event in Saudi Arabia. Khimaev will not be an easy opponent, I will have to work very hard. But I’m looking forward to it. Every tough fight takes me to the next level, which brings me closer to getting my title back, which is my goal,” Whittaker added.

The bout will take place on June 22, 2024. Whittaker has even more motivation in the bout as he seeks a rematch with Du Plessis. The latter surprisingly defeated him last summer.

Source: UFC, MMA Fighting