Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker - UFC Early Prediction and Breakdown

The UFC is gearing up for its inaugural event in Saudi Arabia on June 22, featuring a headline middleweight clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker, as revealed by Dana White, the president of the promotion, during a recent announcement.

This UFC Fight Night spectacle will be broadcast for free on ABC, with Chimaev and Whittaker set to battle it out for the coveted No. 1 contender spot in the middleweight division, aiming to challenge champion Dricus Du Plessis, according to White.

Chimaev, boasting an impressive 13-0 record, last competed in October, claiming victory over former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. Despite pushing for a title showdown at UFC 300 in April, Du Plessis sustained leg injuries during his championship bout with Sean Strickland at UFC 297 in January. Du Plessis anticipates being back in action by mid-2024, as reported by ESPN.

On the other hand, Whittaker, a former middleweight titleholder with a record of 26-7, secured a unanimous-decision win over Paulo Costa in February. This triumph marked his return to the octagon following a TKO defeat to Du Plessis in July 2023.

Additionally, White unveiled four other exciting matchups on the Saudi Arabia card: Sergei Pavlovich vs. Alexander Volkov, Kelvin Gastelum vs. Daniel Rodriguez, Johnny Walker vs. Volkan Oezdemir, and Shara Magomedov vs. Ihor Potieria, promising a night of thrilling fights for MMA fans worldwide.

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