'Did me a favour': Robert Whittaker reveals 'crap' 15-year pain behind UFC loss to Khamzat Chimaev

UFC star Robert Whittaker has revealed the aftermath of a gruesome injury suffered at the hands of Khamzat Chimaev last month.

The former middleweight champion tapped out in the opening round against the Russian grappler at UFC 308, dashing his hopes of earning a title shot.

While initial concerns were that Whittaker had dislocated his jaw, the Aussie revealed after the defeat that his problematic teeth were the reason for his instant tap-out.

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The 33-year-old explained an injury suffered years ago had been weighing heavily on his mind in recent bouts with Dricus du Plessis and Ikram Aliskerov before the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back in October.

"I've always kind of had bad bottom teeth," he told the MMA Arcade Podcast.

"I've had missing teeth for 10 years plus ... they're not stable. Over the years, trauma whatever, I don't know. I should've got rid of them years ago.

"I think the teeth had just had it. I think they had just had enough. Enough is enough. His forearm goes straight across the bottom teeth and they move straight away.

"Everyone and their friend saw the photos. It's upsetting. I don't like losing like that, but it is what it is. I'll go as far as to say, Chimaev did me a favour - he got rid of the teeth.

"They've always been crap. I haven't been able to bite down on like an apple since I was 19. They've always been bad. I should've dealt with them.

"They're just gone. I don't need them."

Whittaker also revealed when his bottom teeth were removed, doctors found a large cyst in his jaw, which could have led to infections in recent years.

The loss in Abu Dhabi was a major setback for the Auckland-born fighter, who has now dropped to fourth spot in the official 185lb weight class.

However, he says any calls for Whittaker to step away from the octagon are premature, even if the Aussie acknowledges he will need to re-evaluate his game plan.

"I'm going to give a bit of time. I'm not going to rush into the next fight, because there are some things I want to address," he said.

"I'm probably looking to return in June-ish or end of May. I don't know. We'll play with the dates next year. I'm 34 in December. I still have, I feel like some tricks up my sleeve. I still have some goals that I want to hit. Like I said, I am building some new skills.

"Every obstacle and setback just makes me stronger, it makes the comeback better. I'm looking forward to getting back in there. I'm excited for the next, what I could be."

Whittaker's professional career record as an MMA fighter sits at 26-8.