In a candid interview, former UFC middleweight champion Rob Whittaker opened up about his recent fight with Khamzat Chimaev, shedding light on the events leading up to the fight and his thoughts on what transpired inside the octagon. Rob shared the highs, lows, and the unexpected challenges he faced, providing fans with an inside look at his experience.

The Build-Up to the Fight

Rob Whittaker began by recalling how he felt going into the fight. He emphasized that he felt in peak condition—strong, fit, and mentally focused. Everything about his preparation had been “picture perfect,” from his physical state to his mindset, which made him feel confident as he entered the octagon. Rob was ready for the battle, but what happened next was not entirely what he expected.

The Fight Itself: “Comfortable… Until I Wasn’t”

When the fight started, Rob felt surprisingly comfortable standing with Chimaev. The pressure of facing such a dominant opponent didn’t overwhelm him. In fact, he felt good about his ability to trade shots and navigate Chimaev’s striking. However, things quickly shifted when Chimaev executed a takedown.

“I felt real comfortable standing with him… but then the takedown happened,” Rob explained. Despite his wrestling training and preparation, he acknowledged that it was incredibly difficult to stop such a well-timed and well-executed takedown. Chimaev’s strength and commitment to the takedown were impressive, and Rob found himself in a difficult position.

The Teeth Incident: A Key Turning Point

As the fight progressed, Rob faced an unexpected setback—his teeth. For those who are unaware, Rob has had ongoing dental issues, particularly with his bottom teeth, which were not stable and had been problematic for years. The fight took a dramatic turn when Chimaev’s forearm was placed across Rob’s face during a face crank.

Rob explained how his teeth “gave out” instantly when the forearm hit that sensitive spot between his chin and lip. “Instantly my teeth gave out,” he said. It wasn’t a jaw fracture, as some had speculated, but rather the culmination of years of dental issues. He noted that his teeth were already in poor condition, with some missing and others compromised due to trauma in past fights.

The impact of the face crank only worsened the situation. As Chimaev applied pressure, Rob’s already fragile teeth couldn’t withstand the force, and they moved out of place. While Rob’s jaw itself remained intact, his bottom teeth were no longer functional.

A Shocking Discovery: The Aftermath

Following the fight, Rob’s primary concern was his teeth. Despite the loss, he was determined to recover. It wasn’t just the injury that had him worried, but the years of dental issues he’d ignored. After the fight, Rob had his teeth removed, and during the procedure, doctors discovered a large cyst in his jaw that had likely contributed to the infections he had been experiencing.

“Everything happens for a reason,” Rob remarked. Although it was an unfortunate series of events, the discovery of the cyst allowed him to address the underlying issue that had plagued him for years. The removal of his teeth has now cleared up that issue, and Rob said he was relieved to have finally dealt with it.

Returning to Training: Not Rushing the Comeback

Rob took a few weeks off after the fight to recover, but within a short time, he was back in the gym, resuming his training. “I’m back, I’m still alive,” Rob said with his characteristic optimism. However, he made it clear that he was not rushing into his next fight. Instead, he was focusing on fine-tuning certain aspects of his game. He wants to take the time to develop new skills and techniques to ensure he returns to the octagon in even better shape.

He mentioned that his next fight would likely come in June, giving him ample time to adjust and address areas in his camp that he felt he could improve on. “I’m looking to return in June, but I’ll take my time,” he stated.

Reflecting on the Loss: A Humbling Experience

While Rob was disappointed with the outcome of the fight, he took the loss in stride. He acknowledged Chimaev’s skills and the fact that the fighter executed a well-thought-out plan. “He had a game plan and executed it perfectly,” Rob said. Despite the loss, Rob made it clear that he respects his opponent’s abilities and will use this setback to improve.

“I don’t like losing, but it is what it is,” he said, showing his characteristic humility. Rob emphasized that setbacks only make him stronger, and this fight would be no different. He expressed gratitude for the support of his fans and acknowledged that he would keep pushing forward.

Looking to the Future

When asked about his next opponent, Rob was unfazed. He made it clear that he would fight anyone the UFC put in front of him. His main focus was on getting himself into the best shape possible and returning to his dominant self.

Rob also spoke about making some changes to his fighting style. Having been in the game for over a decade, he’s keen on adapting and evolving. “I’ve been fighting the same way for 12 years, it’s time to change things up,” Rob said. This new approach could be what gives him the edge in his future fights.

The Road Ahead: A New Chapter

Rob’s journey isn’t over. While the fight against Chimaev didn’t go as planned, it’s clear that he’s far from finished. He’s already back to work, refining his skills and preparing for what’s next. He remains confident that he will return stronger, proving once again why he is one of the top middleweights in the UFC.

With his eyes set on a return in June, Rob Whittaker is determined to keep fighting at the highest level. Fans can expect to see a new version of Rob, one that has learned from past experiences and is ready to take on whatever comes his way in the future.