In a yr which has seen a few of the most spectacular stoppages by way of submission — notably in title fights, it’s a stoppage by way of that technique which can have earned its victor his first UFC championship cost, with Khamzat Chimaev ending ex-champion, Robert Whittaker with a brutal face crank at UFC 308.
Confirmed to compete for gold in his subsequent outing within the Octagon, Chechen-born contender, Chimaev lastly made good on his return from a prolonged hiatus again in October, rebooking a title eliminator with former middleweight kingpin and all-round fan-favorite, Whittaker in a well-recognized setting in Abu Dhabi.
Sidelined because the promotion’s go to to the United Arab Emirates a yr prior, Khamzat Chimaev had remained unbeaten — in some relatively controversial circumstances, courtesy of a majority resolution win over former pound-for-pound primary and welterweight gold holder, Kamaru Usman on short-notice once more.
Nonetheless, tipped to face his greatest take a look at up to now towards Whittaker — who was contemporary from a shocking knockout win over common-opponent, Ilkram Aliskerov at UFC Saudi Arabia earlier in the summertime, Khamzat Chimaev rubber-stamped his title aspirations — largely with ease.
Instantly taking pictures on the Auckland-born contender with a well-time takedown within the opening exchanges, Chimaev would patiently work his technique to the again of Whittaker, all of the whereas threatening with chokes from the again place.
And earlier than the four-minute mark, ultimately working his technique to a snug setting on the previous champion’s again, followers grew cautious of the approaching menace of the scenario Chimaev had discovered himself in, with their fear justified following a quickfire faucet from Whittaker.
Upon the viewing of a number of replays, Chimaev appeared to discover a fulcrum-come-face crank on the chin of Whittaker — dislodging his backside enamel within the course of and rumored to have dislocated the ex-champion’s jaw.
Khamzat Chimaev earns LowKick MMA Submission of the 12 months Award
Staking his declare for a shot on the middleweight crown — presently held by Dricus du Plessis, Chimaev has thus far missed out on a cost towards the South African — who headlines UFC 312 in a rematch towards the primary ranked, Sean Strickland at first.
Picture by way of: Getty
Nonetheless, off the again of his submission over Whittaker, Chimaev has been earmarked to compete for gold in North America subsequent by UFC CEO, Dana White — who confirmed the previous can be returning to motion within the new yr.
