Robert Whittaker warns Khamzat Chimaev that his livid begins might price him of their combat.
Whittaker (25-7 MMA, 16-5 UFC) will look handy Chimaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) the primary lack of his profession when the pair meet within the UFC on ABC 6 headliner June 22 at Kingdom Area in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Chimaev has proven a bent to decelerate in his current wins over Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman, however in the end outlasted them. “Borz” will enter the primary 25-minute combat of his profession.
“It’s a five-round combat, so I’m certain his pacing’s obtained to be a little bit completely different, in any other case it’s going to be an early night time for him,” Whittaker informed Fox Sports activities Australia.
Whittaker is cautious of the truth that Chimaev isn’t only a robust grappler, however is assured he has the benefit on the toes.
“It’s one thing to concentrate on,” Whittaker mentioned of Chimaev’s putting. “He’s obtained energy. He’s obtained a really clear one-two down the pipe. I’m conscious of it. Positively not – I’m not underestimating it, however I can deal with it. I do suppose I’ve the putting superiority.”
Whittaker sees Burns’ shut loss to Chimaev at UFC 273 as the same blueprint he might comply with, however plans on displaying a extra refined model.
“(Burns) took away (Chimaev’s) energy of grappling and put him at risk in a whole lot of conditions along with his putting,” Whittaker mentioned. “In my view, my putting is crispier and cleaner then Gilbert Burns’.
“I believe my spacing lends itself to make touchdown these strikes simpler, in addition to defending takedowns. I believe the output is completely different as a result of I’m going to have the ability to management the house the best way I do.”
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