- Rob Whittaker’s jaw is injured in brutal UFC loss
- Whittaker strangled by Khamzat Chimaev
Former Australian UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker suffered a devastating first-round submission loss to undefeated Khamzat Chimaev and is suspected of breaking his jaw.
Whittaker’s prospects of securing another world title shot took a nosedive in Abu Dhabi on Sunday morning (AEDT), after he tapped out at the 3:34 mark of the first round.
The 33-year-old Australian landed a couple of leg kicks but didn’t get the chance to land a punch as he was knocked down after just 15 seconds.
He climbed hard along the cage in an attempt to escape the clutches of the UAE-based Russian fighter, but appeared to suffer a chin or jaw injury during the decisive choke.
“Some rumors indicate that Robert Whittaker may have a dislocated jaw,” commentator Jon Anik said.
Former UFC champion Daniel Cormier said: “Robert is pointing at his face.” Holy cow. I think he ruined his jaw. It’s amazing what Rob Whittaker did. Holy shit.
“He took him down, controlled him the whole time and then just crushed his jaw to the point,” Anik said.
“I hope it doesn’t dislocate because that’s never fun to deal with.”
Robert Whittaker suffered a devastating first-round submission loss to undefeated Khamzat Chimaev and suffered a jaw injury.
The Australian was quickly dispatched by the undefeated Russian phenom.
Chimaev also indicated that something was wrong with the Australian’s jaw.
“I felt something wrong, a click,” Chimaev said afterward.
‘Thank you Rob. I love you my brother, you are a legend, I respect that you fought with me because no one wants to fight with me.
After the fight, photos surfaced on social media of Whittaker’s jaw, with some of his teeth out of place.
It was only the second time Whittaker had been featured and the first in 13 years.
Renowned fighter Chimaev, 30, began the fight as the favorite despite being ranked 13th, 10 places below the Sydneysider.
They were originally due to fight in June, but Chimaev withdrew after becoming ill.
He improved his record to 14-0.
It was only Whittaker’s fourth loss in his last 19 fights over a 10-year period, but it casts doubt on whether he will ever get another chance.
