Categories: Trending now

Robert Whittaker issues statement on health, fighting future

2024-10-27 19:30:03

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.

Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.

AD
News Today

Recent Posts

Kareena Kapoor’s Next Untitled Film With Meghna Gulzar Gets Prithviraj Sukumaran On Board

Kareena Kapoor is working with Raazi director Meghna Gulzar for her next film. The project,…

2 weeks ago

Purdue basketball freshman Daniel Jacobsen injured vs Northern Kentucky

2024-11-09 15:00:03 WEST LAFAYETTE -- Daniel Jacobsen's second game in Purdue basketball's starting lineup lasted…

2 weeks ago

Rashida Jones honors dad Quincy Jones with heartfelt tribute: ‘He was love’

2024-11-09 14:50:03 Rashida Jones is remembering her late father, famed music producer Quincy Jones, in…

2 weeks ago

Nosferatu Screening at Apollo Theatre Shows Student Interest in Experimental Cinema – The Oberlin Review

2024-11-09 14:40:03 A silent German expressionist film about vampires accompanied by Radiohead’s music — what…

2 weeks ago

What Are Adaptogens? Find Out How These 3 Herbs May Help You Tackle Stress Head-On

Let's face it - life can be downright stressful! With everything moving at breakneck speed,…

2 weeks ago

The new Mac Mini takes a small step towards upgradeable storage

Apple’s redesigned Mac Mini M4 has ditched the previous M2 machine’s SSD that was soldered…

2 weeks ago