'Holy smokes': Robert Whittaker 'messed up' in first round UFC obliteration against Khamzat Chimaev

Robert Whittaker's dreams of reclaiming the UFC middleweight belt were dashed in a three-minute obliteration at the hands of Khamzat Chimaev. in UFC 308.

In his trademark fashion, Chimaev was aggressive from the moment the fight began, diving for a takedown barely seconds in.

Whittaker was able to defend the onslaught well, but Chimaev was unrelenting and eventually landed two heavy blows and then got Whittaker into a choke.

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Then he tapped, and it was all over. Chimaev via submission three minute and 34 seconds into the first round.

"He tapped! Still undefeated and coming to a title fight near you," UFC commentator Jon Anik said.

"Khamzat Chimaev is that good. What are you going to say about him now."

The Aussie gestured to his camp and pointed to his jaw, suggesting it had either been broken or dislocated, which would explain the relatively quick tap.

"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," former UFC champion Daniel Cormier said.

Whittaker came into the fight off the back of two wins earlier this year, and had said he was ready to go the full distance.

Chimaev on the other hand said he wanted to end the fight early, and did just that.

"Thank you, Rob. I love you my brother. You've been always an (example) for me. You're legend," Chimaev said post-fight.

"Respect, you took the fight ... no one wants to fight me. All the champions are running from me.

"Dana, what's wrong with the UFC man? Give me the belt."

The win means Chimaev will almost certainly fight South African Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title.