Australia’s former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has suffered a devastating first-round submission loss to unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev – and a suspected broken jaw.
Whittaker’s prospects of securing another world title shot nosedived in Abu Dhabi on Sunday morning (AEDT), after he tapped out at the 3:34 mark of the opening round.
The 33-year-old Australian landed a couple of leg kicks but didn’t have the chance to throw a punch, as he was taken down after just 15 seconds.
He scrambled hard along the cage in an attempt to escape the clutches of the UAE-based Russian fighter, but appeared to suffer an injury to his chin or jaw during the decisive choke.
‘Some rumblings that it might be a dislocated jaw for Robert Whittaker,’ commentator Jon Anik said.
Ex-UFC champ Daniel Cormier said: ‘Robert’s pointing to his face. Holy cow. I think he messed up his jaw. That is amazing he did that do Rob Whittaker. Holy smokes.’
‘He took down, controlled him the entire time and then just face cranked-crushed his jaw to the point,’ Anik said.
‘I hope it’s not dislocated because that’s never fun to deal with.’
Robert Whittaker suffered a devastating first-round submission loss to unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev – and sustained an injury to his jaw
The Aussie was dispatched quickly by the unbeaten Russian phenom
Chimaev also indicated that there was something wrong with the Aussie’s jaw.
‘I felt something wrong, a click,’ Chimaev said afterwards.
‘Thanks Rob. I love you my brother – you are a legend, I respect you took the fight with me because no-one wants to fight with me.’
After the bout, photos appeared on social media of Whittaker’s jaw, with some of his teeth sitting out of place.
It was only the second time Whittaker had been submitted and the first time in 13 years.
Renowned wrestler Chimaev, 30, started the fight as favourite despite being ranked 13th, 10 places below the Sydneysider.
They were originally due to fight in June, but Chimaev withdrew after falling ill
He improved his record to 14-0.
It was only Whittaker’s fourth loss in his last 19 fights over a 10-year period, but casts doubt over whether he will ever get another opportunity.
