Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker assessed the fighting qualities of his next opponent, Hamzat Chimaev.
The two fighters will meet in the main event of UFC on ABC 6, which takes place June 22 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
"He definitely has great jiu-jitsu that combines well with wrestling. A lot of times fighters aren't ready for that combination. He uses his arm span and tall physique to impose his fight and take you to the ground. He's very dangerous in wrestling, but I've been grappling all my life. I'm confident in my skills and even if we had a jiu-jitsu bout, I wouldn't give up until I beat him," the Australian told The Megan Anderson Show.
Former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington isn't giving up trying to get a bout with Hamzat Chimaev.
The coach of former UFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland, Eric Nixick, said the promotion's matchmakers were hoping to set up a fight between his charge and Khamzat Chimaev.
"I know that the UFC wanted to put Shawn together with Chimaev. But I'm not sure if Shawn has the opportunity to go to Saudi Arabia. But I know that Hamzat's name has been discussed as a possible opponent. Chimaev is a big star in Saudi Arabia. And here it was the venue itself that mattered more than the name of the opponent for Hamzat," Sportskeeda quoted Nixik as saying.
Recall that Strickland will share the octagon with Paulo Costa on June 1 at UFC 302 in Newark, USA. As for Chimaev, he will fight Robert Whittaker in the main event of the debut show in Saudi Arabia on June 22.
Michael Page, former Bellator fighter and current UFC recruit, posted a joint photo on his social media accounts with UFC middleweight prospect Khamzat Chimaev, wishing him a happy birthday.
"It's a pleasure to train alongside such a beast. Huge respect and happy birthday, Hamzat!" the British fighter wrote.
Michael Page made his UFC debut in March of this year, winning by unanimous decision over Kevin Holland at the organization's 299th event.
As for Chimaev, he won a majority decision over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in his last fight. The fight took place last October and Chimaev hasn't fought since.
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has spoken out about his upcoming fight against Hamzat Chimaev, which will take place on June 22 at the promotion's debut event in Saudi Arabia.
Khamzat Chimaev's record currently stands at 13 wins, 0 lose and 0 draw.
Khamzat Chimaev's last fight took place against Kamaru Usman on Oct. 21, 2023, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. He won by MD in the 3 round. That fight was 6 months and 23 days ago.
Chimaev's last 2 fights have come over a period of day, meaning he has been fighting on average every month and day. In those fights, he fought a total of round, meaning that they have lasted round on average.
Chimaev was born in Russia.
The Khamzat Chimaev is currently 30 years old. He was born on May 1, 1994, so he will turn 31 in 11 months and 17 days.
Khamzat Chimaev made his professional debut in May 2018, so he has been a pro for 5 years.
Chimaev is 6' 2" (6 Foot and 2 inch) which is 188 cm (1 meter and 88 centimeters).
His reach is 75 inches (75") which is 190 cm (1 meter and 90 centimeters).