Robert Whittaker issues statement on health, fighting future

Robert Whittaker is taking the worst loss of his career in stride after UFC 308.

Former UFC middleweight champion Whittaker (26-8 MMA, 17-6 UFC) was on the receiving end of his fastest defeat ever in the weight class on Saturday when Khamzat Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) took him to the ground and scored a gruesome submission that disfigured his teeth inside the first round at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

Images of Whittaker’s mouth surfaced after the fight with his teeth crushed in an unnatural direction courtesy of Chimaev’s submission, and it looked to be a serious injury. Whittaker’s attitude indicates it’s more of a nuisance, however, because in his first statement since the fight, he clarified that he does not have a broken jaw and only teeth damage.

“It’s a tough gig sometimes but that’s the business,” Whittaker wrote on Instagram. “Big congratulations to Khamzat, he was the better man tonight and that’s all there is to it. I felt great, everything was on point and I was ready. My jaw is good, but my teeth were moved in. It’s a good excuse to fix them properly now.”

Although Whittaker, 33, fell short of his goal of beating Chimaev and making another step closer to another chance to regain the 185-pound belt, it appears he’s not deterred. “The Reaper” said he intends on returning to the octagon sooner than later, but first he intends to fully recover and spend time with his wife, children and other family members before focusing on what his return to the cage will look like.

“I’m disappointed, but I come back better from every setback and every challenge so this is no different,” Whittaker said. “I want to thank my team and everyone who supported me to get here. Time to go spend time with the family for a bit. Be back soon.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.