Khamzat Chimaev tipped to finish 2025 as a UFC champion by former opponent: "I think his grappling is so good"

Modified Jan 01, 2025 10:50 GMT

Former champion predicts Robert Whitaker to be middleweight champion by 2025 end. [Images courtesy: Getty Images] — Former champion predicts Robert Whitaker to be middleweight champion in 2025 [Images courtesy: Getty Images]

Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant performance against Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 has sparked predictions of championship glory. Former middleweight champion Whittaker, who succumbed to Chimaev’s grappling prowess, believes the Chechnya native is poised to claim UFC gold by the end of 2025.

Speaking on the MMArcade podcast, Whittaker highlighted Chimaev’s exceptional grappling skills:

“I’d have to say Chimaev. I’m gonna say Chimaev. His grappling is so good, like so good.”

Check out Robert Whittaker's comments on Khamzat Chimaev below:

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Having faced Chimaev firsthand, Whittaker is uniquely qualified to assess his abilities.

Chimaev dismantled Whittaker during their Abu Dhabi clash, showcasing relentless aggression and technical dominance. The fight ended in the first round when Chimaev secured a face crank submission, forcing Whittaker to tap.

The Australian briefly resisted but ultimately succumbed to the Russian phenom’s superior grappling. Post-fight commentary suggested Whittaker may have sustained a jaw injury during the bout.

Michael Bisping also predicts Khamzat Chimaev to claim UFC championship in 2025

Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has boldly predicted that Khamzat Chimaev will secure a UFC title in 2025. Reflecting on Chimaev's dominant performance against Robert Whittaker, Bisping expressed confidence in 'Borz's' championship aspirations.

During a discussion about potential UFC champions, Bisping stated:

"Khamzat Chimaev squeezed his [Robert Whittaker] teeth out last time, and yeah, I'm gonna have to say Khamzat [will become a UFC champion in 2025]. Dricus [Du Plessis] is a tremendous champion. I think him and Sean [Strickland] are going to have another close fight [at UFC 312]. But regardless, when Khamzat gets his chance, he'll be victorious."