- The fighters were being interviewed before the fight in Abu Dhabi.
- Russia objected to the Australian’s interrogation.
- He threatened Australians saying it will be a ‘bad day for you’
Khamzat Chimaev isn’t the kind of person you want to be on bad terms with, but an Australian comedian may have bitten off more than he can chew after earning the ire of the Russian UFC champion.
Chimaev will face Australian Rob Whittaker in Abu Dhabi at UFC 308 and the Australian hopes to surpass Sean Strickland in a world title fight with a surprise victory.
It won’t be an easy task, as Chimaev made a formidable UFC debut in 2020 after transitioning to mixed martial arts and maintaining a perfect record in the UFC ever since.
Whittaker is a former UFC middleweight champion, known for his victory over Yoel Romero at UFC 213, which made him the first Australian to win a UFC championship.
Since then, he has scored important wins against top contenders such as Jared Cannonier, Darren Till and Kelvin Gastelum and hopes to get another title shot against Chimaev in Australia if he can beat the Russian in Abu Dhabi.
While the event will take place live on Saturday night local time, Australians will need to get up early on Sunday to watch Whittaker.
Russian Khamzat Chimaev was left furious after an Australian comedian suggested Rob Whittaker would punch him.
Nick Cody woke up the wild beast by angering Chimaev, but had Australian Rob Whittaker in stitches
Australian comedian and radio host Nick Cody, co-host of Fox FM’s Fifi, Fev & Nick, interviewed both fighters before the fight and it began in a seemingly innocent manner.
‘As always, you have the whole country behind you. But Saturday night here it’s 5am Sunday morning in Sydney and Melbourne. That’s when the main card starts,” Cody asked Whittaker.
‘What would you recommend to people, go to bed early and set an alarm or just go ahead, send it in and have a big party when Whittaker gets the W?’
Chimaev remains undefeated in the UFC and it will be a huge mountain for Whittaker to overcome
However, Whittaker was not given a chance to respond and Chimaev was offended by the line of questioning.
‘It’s going to be a bad morning for you…Fuck off, man!’ The Russian got angry.
Cody replied, “I didn’t ask you.”
Whittaker couldn’t stop laughing and said: ‘Settle down early.’ Wake up. It’s going to be a cookie. I won’t keep you waiting.’
Whittaker not only hopes to beat Chimaev, but also earn a title shot against the same opponent in Australia.
The last time the Australian had a UFC title was back in 2017, but he is not losing hope
Still enthused, Chimaev added: “Abu Dhabi fans, my Muslim brothers, delete this shit.” Throw it out.
‘Go back to Australia. I’m going to your house, man.
Whittaker is prepared to go the full five rounds or 25 minutes, to which Khimaev said, “I don’t think we need 25.”
‘I’m here to finish someone off. I’m here to fight, man.
‘Maybe (he) will come here and jump like a kangaroo, I don’t know.
‘I’m here to fight.
“And from first to last, I’ll try to take the guy down.”
