In a yr which has seen a number of the most spectacular stoppages through submission — significantly in title fights, it’s a stoppage through that methodology which can have earned its victor his first UFC championship cost, with Khamzat Chimaev ending ex-champion, Robert Whittaker with a brutal face crank at UFC 308.
Confirmed to compete for gold in his subsequent outing within the Octagon, Chechen-born contender, Chimaev lastly made good on his return from a prolonged hiatus again in October, rebooking a title eliminator with former middleweight kingpin and all-round fan-favorite, Whittaker in a well-known setting in Abu Dhabi.
Sidelined because the promotion’s go to to the United Arab Emirates a yr prior, Khamzat Chimaev had remained unbeaten — in some slightly controversial circumstances, courtesy of a majority choice win over former pound-for-pound primary and welterweight gold holder, Kamaru Usman on short-notice once more.
Nevertheless, tipped to face his largest take a look at thus far in opposition to Whittaker — who was recent from a surprising knockout win over common-opponent, Ilkram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi Arabia earlier in the summertime, Khamzat Chimaev rubber-stamped his title aspirations — largely with ease.
Instantly capturing on the Auckland-born contender with a well-time takedown within the opening exchanges, Chimaev would patiently work his approach to the again of Whittaker, all of the whereas threatening with chokes from the again place.
And earlier than the four-minute mark, finally working his approach to a cushty setting on the previous champion’s again, followers grew cautious of the approaching risk of the state of affairs Chimaev had discovered himself in, with their fear justified following a quickfire faucet from Whittaker.
Upon the viewing of a number of replays, Chimaev appeared to discover a fulcrum-come-face crank on the chin of Whittaker — dislodging his backside enamel within the course of and rumored to have dislocated the ex-champion’s jaw.
Khamzat Chimaev earns LowKick MMA Submission of the Yr Award
Staking his declare for a shot on the middleweight crown — at the moment held by Dricus du Plessis, Chimaev has to this point missed out on a cost in opposition to the South African — who headlines UFC 312 in a rematch in opposition to the primary ranked, Sean Strickland firstly.
Picture through: Getty
Nevertheless, off the again of his submission over Whittaker, Chimaev has been earmarked to compete for gold in North America subsequent by UFC CEO, Dana White — who confirmed the previous can be returning to motion within the new yr.
