Robert Whittaker vs Khamzat Chimaev CANCELLED. This SUCKS | MMArcade News

[@Dr.Droneddd]

this is a lose-lose fight for rob, i hope he gets paid big for risking his position to fight Ikram

[@MMArcadePodcast]

Better be getting that Saudi money for taking this on tbh

[@0Akeldama0]

or the title fight "guarantee"

[@FoggyTheHippo]

@@MMArcadePodcast Amen to that, hope Rob gets that bag.

[@ganfiteatro96]

​@@0Akeldama0 per que no las dos?

[@Ktmfan450]

Rob should get his own Gulf Island

[@Snow-dv7yd]

Feel so bad for Rob. Went from a no.1 contenders fight for a title to a risky match up with no real benefit for him :(

[@cre8_ur_f8]

I'm fairly confident he was guaranteed a title shot after his victory over Ikram. I am 💯% confident he got the 💰 for his family & for that I'm very happy🙏

[@jasonborotra4208]

​@@cre8_ur_f8Yeah all that is great but the victory is far from a certainty.

[@gqwarrior6694]

The UFC is doing everything they can to prevent Rob from getting another title shot. Gutted for Rob

[@matsutendai]

It’s Rob. He’s always in the mix for a title shot.

[@kaezproductions3977]

​@jasonborotra4208 the L is just as far from certain. Tf?

[@twocats2543]

Bummed out for Rob but Khamzat seems to suffer from some serious health issues. Hope that dude is getting that taken care of. The old photos of dude are nightmarish.

[@gcoffey223]

The "jab" perhaps??

[@Matt-ou7tu]

​@gcoffey223 No. He has long Covid. He had Covid severely which led to him coughing up blood and his health hasn't been the same since.

[@jTech50]

Rob vs Strickland makes a lot of sense. It's a fresh matchup and either could be next in line for the title after Dricus vs Izzy

[@khillsy4489]

The most underappreciated fighter in the ufc. Robert Whittaker. 👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@kingc5732]

8:15 Dan Hooker in a recent interview said that he demanded to fight on the Perth card so that he could fight alongside Kai and Israel, so he more or less inadvertently confirmed that Israel and Dricus is on for Perth.

[@Sam-fs1zl]

also believe his recent YT video description says " as he begins fight camp for his next bout rumoured to be against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 in Perth Australia "

[@kingc5732]

@@Sam-fs1zl yea there you go, it’s pretty much a done deal

[@constipatedsheep6864]

Such a bullshit fight.

[@kingc5732]

@@constipatedsheep6864 In terms of merit, there’s no way Israel should be getting the immediate shot after zero title defences in his second reign and losing convincingly to the guy who arguably won against the current champ. Ngl though I am excited for the match up still, stylistically this is a fun fight, and we have the battle for Africa beef.

[@constipatedsheep6864]

@@kingc5732 I'm only ok with it if Dricus loses and Sean whoops Izzy's ass again

[@NeoValeTudo]

4:07 why not? Genuinely why not, we just saw Steve erceg get a title shot after 3 fights and Covington get one after just being awful for years

[@CJH94]

Typical bobby knuckles. Replaces the most dangerous fight in the division with the second most dangerous guy in the division. Just swaps out the 2 most avoided guys In the division. Tough fight but you’ll still Fuck em up rob.

[@JayL03940]

Khamzat isn't the most dangerous

[@Travvv94]

Lol what makes Aliskerov the 2nd most dangerous in the division

[@CJH94]

@@Travvv94 the amount of people that turned down a fight with him for one

[@CJH94]

@@JayL03940 who then would you say ?

[@shanewilliams613]

Sucks for Rob, but if he can finish this fight in exciting fashion he'll still be in a really good position considering how lacklustre Strickland vs Costa was. Nothing's ever guaranteed especially in the UFC so let's hope Rob is getting a good pay bump and has a great performance.

[@CJH94]

Can just imagine Rob when they offered him Aliskerov instead just being like “same same, why not” haha

[@Asiyah2000]

Rob said anyone anytime anywhere so why will he surprise 😂

[@jonk420]

@@Asiyah2000 lol

[@mannyhart2311]

Rob is a freaking BMF. What a guy. Embodies anyone, anytime, anywhere

[@MasterSpencer2483]

So gutted for Rob… I hope Khamzat is okay too, though. I’m pissed about the pull out, but I also know he’s had some serious medical issues. I’m hoping Rob starches Ikram, and Dana rewards his willingness to keep the fight on with a title shot

[@gcoffey223]

Props to Bobby for taking a much more dangerous fight. Ikram is no joke

[@johnstover4584]

Robert deserves both fighters pay.

[@mikeymaiku]

my favorite Fallout 4 default character is showing his dissapointment, and poor rob man he basicly never gets a easy fight

[@giacalonebuilding4443]

He just fought costa. Obviously nobody ranked is “easy” but imo costa is the easiest big fight at 185

[@MMArcadePodcast]

Lmao yeah

[@mikeymaiku]

@@giacalonebuilding4443 easy is subjective. But you cannot deny that rob has nothing but notable / bigger names for almost all his recent fights

[@SouthwestUberlady]

​@@giacalonebuilding4443ummm you obviously didn't watch that fight...you think that Costa fight was easy ? Lol wtf

[@prod.drizly5801]

Sucks for Rob. Beating Khamzat would’ve been a huge accomplishment and gotten him a title shot for sure. Aliskerov is a great prospect and would still be a really good win for Rob but not sure if it’ll guarantee a shot for him which is unfortunate

[@shasscormac9808]

Absolutely gutted for both you and Rob mate.

[@GuntusMaximus]

it's shite man what a let down, feel so bad for Rob.

[@Asiyah2000]

Rob accepted to fight ikram and said he is ready for anyone so why are you worrying 😂

[@jonk420]

@@Asiyah2000 lol

[@Kegotback]

I watched these last recent uploads backwards. Now before I watch, I wish the best for Rob. THIS WHY HE IS THAT GUY HE IS A FIGHTERS FIGHTER. Its still a big risk but I have a feeling Rob woukd say “Thats every fight m8”. As a fan for my personally its just I don’t see the gain for him, the original plan was a title eliminator. I hope Dana takes care of him. That being said, prayers for Khamzat bc he has had scary health concerns previously. Shout out to you Jonny for keeping us updated. The entire MMAarcade army is behind him.

[@abderrahmanekecira8341]

I absolutely love rob despite been a fan of both khamzat and Ikram Rob is true legend god bless him !!

[@stopusingmyrealname2372]

Aliskerov is the only man to have ever stuffed all of Khamzat’s takedowns attempts. This is important because mma fans have a tendency to look at the end result and ignore everything that happened before that. Aliskerov got careless on the feet. (5 years ago) That doesn’t mean Khamzat would beat him today. Aliskerov’s striking has improved by leaps and bounds while Khamzat has remained the same 1 round fighter. Aliskerov is also better suited to fight a 5 round match than Khamzat. I think he beats Robert Whittaker and Khamzat in a rematch.

[@jayslice4371]

Rob fights whoever the ufc asks him to fight and doesn’t make excuses. For that reason alone they should reward him with a title fight after this win

[@screenPhiles]

Sean Strickland fights like Leon Edwards talks: He gets the point across in the most uninteresting way possible.

[@iluvatarchem]

Aliskerov is just as hard. This is extremely dangerous for Rob mark my words...

[@ImranKhan-gs2hy]

Rob is a real G, he agreed to fight a dude who some say is basically the middleweight Islam Makhachev. ✊🔥

[@handsomedevil7072]

Probs to Rob, and Aliskerov too. Aliskerov is as dangerous as Chimaev, maybe even more. Probably will be there for 5 rounds too, not just 2.

[@dylan6480]

I don’t think aliskerovs ranking does the guy justice. Dangerous fight for rob for sure. And no doubt should still give him a shot if he wins.

[@LloydandMandy]

Rob is the G.O.A.T.

[@metro-m1k]

Ikram is underrated Whittaker might lose this fight

[@keyboardwarrior6591]

Not when Ikram is taking it on a week's notice

[@robng3793]

@@keyboardwarrior6591ikram was suppose to fight this weekend, not week notice just switched opponents and fight time to a week later and much bigger fight

[@Asiyah2000]

​@@robng3793it's short notice for ikram he is in massive disadvantage the climate the jetlag and the caliber of oponet he is facing that he didn't prepared and studied all those facts plays major toll but hopefully ikram pulls off a win

[@jonk420]

@@Asiyah2000lol

[@P-V-H]

I’m worried about this fight. Ikram hits hard and he’s good at hitting people as they come in, he’s more of a reactive striker where as Khamzat is more straight forward

[@kieranlivesey5952]

Anyone who can beat Bobby knuckles at mw deserves a title shot imo

[@derekblackthorne]

I was pissed until you said Hazmat is "Violently ill." I like him. I was really looking forward to this fight though. I hope Bobby stays healthy, and wins regardless!

[@sanjardjuraev]

I think it will be more difficult to beat Ilram than Khamzat

[@tishamathis1607]

That really sucks.

[@NeoValeTudo]

Yeah that #1 contender status for the winner is gone now, it just doesn’t make sense. Only one that really gets affected is rob. Sucks

[@joanneee1037]

Lose-lose situation for Rob. I know Ikram is unranked, new in UFC & only fought cans. But he is from Islam's team & has same accolades like Khabib & Islam being Combat Sambo World & European Champion. So let's see if Ikram is legit.

[@gcoffey223]

Not from Islam's team, they have trained together yes but not the same. Ikram does have 4 GOLD world sambo titles, and 7 GOLD Russian/Europe Sambo titles

[@LeftLaneMMA]

Robs still taking a head

[@Wall_enjoyer]

Sean received a title shot for taking out rising contenders, I can see Bobby getting similar treatment

[@brownfood5365]

Personally I don't know what the UFC is doing. If they had just booked Strickland vs Rob initially instead of giving Costa to Sean (who had just lost to Rob) and Khamzat to Rob, the MW division would still be moving well. Now we have Sean waiting for a title shot on the sidelines, and Rob is fighting an unranked Ikram and even if Rob wins the division is still a mess.

[@BadtzMarooTube]

Poor Rob got done dirty again.

[@KBWarrioR2018]

Excellent objective overview of the situation my friend. I'm split, As Australia being my adopted home, but rob going against our brothers it's tough to side with.. But we appreciate him keeping on with the fight

[@djnohands3632]

You are overestimating ikram man. Ikran is going to ko him

[@PoochZie]

Well put! You made good points by saying Aliskerov was in a camp already, so he's not coming out of nowhere.

[@huzi990]

Hope Rob gets good compensation for this. This whole month has been non stop fight cancellation news.

[@ayevaboo]

So apparently the best way to beat Khamzat is to cough on him.

[@michaelhudon9231]

Rob can definitely get the title shot when he wins next weekend but it’s going to be HOW he wins that determines that.

[@Chris-sf2cp]

No he won’t, guarantee he won’t. This is a lose lose fight for Rob. Rob won’t get a title shot beating an unranked fighter

[@gqwarrior6694]

No chance. The UFC doesn't want Rob to have another title shot now that they only want WWE types on the mic. This is the UFC protecting Khamzat. Guarantee they give Khamzat the next shot after Izzy without Khamzat fighting again

[@ghagzor]

It wont happen. This just gave Strickland the layup for a rematch with the winner of DDP/Izzy, especially with how the cannonier fight ended with Imavov.

[@michaelhudon9231]

@@gqwarrior6694 These are some hefty shots fired at the UFC and I’d love to see the receipts to back up your claims. First, Rob is one of my favorite fighters in all of the UFC and I’ve been a fan of this podcast since day 1. It’s all love here for the community here that Johnny and Rob built. If you mean the organization not only likes guys that can fight but also move the needle and cut promo’s on the mic - then I suppose they only want “WWE types”. From a business standpoint, this makes a lot of sense. I’m also not sure how this could possibly be the UFC protecting Khamzat. If they wanted him to be the middleweight champ I think they would have waited to have him fight Dricus after Khamzat fought Usman. Yes, he broke his hand in that fight but once he was ready to go - he was booked to fight Rob. The UFC saw what everyone else saw in that last Khamzat fight and that’s that he barely won a decision victory over a welterweight that stepped in on 10 days notice. Granted, all respect to Usman, he was a former long reigning champ that was close to securing the longest active win streak. That fight was also billed as a number 1 contender fight. The point is, it doesn’t matter what is said leading into a fight - it’s how things play out and that’s just the UFC telling you what their plans are in the moment. Whether you see it as them building Khamzat up - Robert Whitaker is not the man you put in front of him to do so.

[@michaelhudon9231]

@@Chris-sf2cp rankings don’t mean a whole lot. Time and time again we have seen the UFC line up the top fighters in a weight class and have them fight all within a month or so of each other. Even if the UFC bills something as a number one contender’s fight, that all can change. It depends who makes the biggest statement in all those fights. It’s hard to really say what’s what since the Dricus vs Izzy fight hasn’t even been officially announced yet. I know it’s rumored for September in Perth but that’s still months out and things could change no matter the outcome this weekend but one thing is for sure, there are no guarantees. Rob knows what he has to do and I think he’s prepared to do it seeing as though he is taking this last minute replacement.

[@FoggyTheHippo]

Feel awful for Rob here, cause as much of a badass as he is for taking this replacement fight with Ikram it is a risk. Maybe with a dominant win he can still make a statement though, and I can totally see that happening. A win sadly doesn’t get him much ranking wise as Ikram is unranked, but a loss could really hurt his stock. That being said I think Rob has the skill to win this one handily, I was picking him vs Chimaev and I think this is a bit of an easier fight than that. You got this Rob, destroy this guy in true Reaper fashion as we all know you can. Still it has to be said how much of a badass Rob is for taking this fight, one of the things that made him my favorite fighter is how he will fight anyone anywhere, and he never backs down. Pure respect to Rob and I’ll ride with him in victory or defeat. Still hyped to see Rob fight and hope he gets that bag for this. Bobby Knuckles for the win!!!

[@GuerillaCatty73]

It was a fight to be seen. He stepped up, no one else wanted any of that, untested in MW, (yes, that's right), the real LHW and HW and MW champion... and he was a good warm up for another fight with DDP. He's been badly let down. (And the keyboard warrior spends another six months calling out everyone in every other division.) As Robert has been the official gatekeeper of MW, then most definitely Strickland should fight him. The Strickland Cult don't appreciate that their idol was nowhere until he beat Adesanya, so his career needs to backtrack a bit and he fights the top ten he avoided with his short notice Apex stints. Adesanya always should have been the one fighting Chimaev.

[@thomasdonnelly4770]

As much as it would suck for fans Rob should honestly just pull out of the fight. It's basically handing out Ikram an absolutely cero risk huge reward opportunity. He gets a chance to fight currently active and off of a win third greatest Middleweight of all time with a build in excuse in case he loses. But on the other hand, even if they are seriously bumping up his pay, what's in it for Rob? Basically lose lose. Huge setback if he loses and if he wins really means nothing. He's not getting a title shot off of that win. That's just not gonna happen. He might even end up getting rebooked against Khamzat.

[@gcoffey223]

Aliskerov belongs in the top of the mix at 185. #6-#10 won't fight him, so skip the line

[@Stopkillinginnocentcivilians]

Iktam will knock Rob easy night

[@kaezproductions3977]

Fuck yeah, vid on friday while at work?! Let's go!!

[@MuhammadImardBruceLee]

I had so much money on this fight. Rob was being straight up disrespected in the odds. He was 3.35 (+235) on betfair exchange. It was +400 to go the distance. I had rob money line, was waiting to bet rob late rounds and fight goes the distance. Ah well

[@DibzzehM8]

Gutted for Rob, Khamzat and myself for not getting to see this fight. Glad rob is still fighting but that was a massive opportunity, hope khamzat is alright though too

[@annetteiles5724]

Khamzat is Literally on the verge of dying, that's how violently ill he is, prayers for khamzat, the guy genuinely has a heart of gold

[@tishamathis1607]

What is wrong with him? Poor man.

[@BamOn742]

jab

[@MrsButterworth]

Retire then

[@citiesexplainedtv]

@@BamOn742 ^ brainworms

[@tigercrush2253]

I dearly hope that part of the negotiations for this contract was a guaranteed, signed in ink title shot for Rob if he wins.

[@cKxTaLenTs]

Was super disappointed when I saw the news of this cuz mainly I was so confident in Rob to take Chimaev’s undefeated record. I feel like a lot of people were counting him out which I think was a mistake. Now he gets an unknown fighter to most people besides the more hardcore fans and he is facing an arguably equally dangerous opponent. Still know he can get the job done. Let’s go Reaper

[@Falkov]

At least Rob does seem to be doing the UFC a big favor in keeping his big name at the top of this inaugural Saudi card. Risking his rank/position against someone who he’d perhaps be professionally reasonable to refuse..I imagine that unnecessary career risk counts for something.

[@screenPhiles]

So does Cannonier deserve (that's a strong word) another fight with Nassourdine Imavov (no matter what Imavov wants to do) because it certainly can be argued that he also 'lost' that fight due to no fault of his own.

[@nemobueno7934]

Chen Chen vs Paulo when he's healthy again, Rob vs Sean if he wins or ikram vs Sean if he wins, izzy vs ddp, Marvin vs caio

[@crazypato3752]

Style wise Ikram is closer to Khamzat than Muniz/Trocoli are to Rob. I would say Ikram is not as strong a wrestler as Khamzat but is more patient. Props to Rob for taking the fight cause of all the current unranked MW I think majority would say Ikram is the best one and someone that would beat many currente ranked guys

[@kadenmaguglin392]

Some stars have to align but if Strickland beats the winner of the next title fight and rob styles on ikram, Strickland vs rob for the belt is the fight to make. Remember Strickland got his shot by beating an unranked dagastan guy.. rob should keep his head up take this fight very seriously

[@stylez3051]

“Anywhere, anytime, anyplace” LFG Rob!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Zackn13]

Hope they give Rob whatever he asks for before and after this fight. Anywhere anytime is his motto. Hell, give him the BMF shot as well. Khamzat vs Costa sounds good right now. Either him or Cannonier

[@ReNeDesCartes782]

I love Rob so happy to see that he won't be getting mauled by Khamzat. Wishing and Praying for a speedy and full health recovery for Khamzat, UFC wouldn't want to lose such an incredible fighter to illness 😢

[@coopermarion547]

I feel like i remember Rob being really skeptical Chimaev would even make it to the fight and i think everyone agreed unfortunately.

[@PillageMontage]

Man, people pull out of Whittaker fights a lot. Khamzat is a whole different animal (not a wolf as he calls himself). Khamzat did not deserve this fight whatsoever although Rob says yes EVERY TIME to every damn opponent. They're still trying to angle for Izzy to be champ again and it's political bullshite

[@Matt-ou7tu]

If Rob doesn't get the immediate shot off the back of beating Aliskerov, I'm not going to lie, I'd love to see Rob vs Strickland for the next shot at the belt if Dricus and Izzy are going to fight next. I don't know if Rob would be willing to take it though.

[@gcoffey223]

Bow, if Ikram beats Rob, then what??

[@scottgonnella2383]

Rob isnt fighting for no reason. He is taking this fight strictly for the money or he would back out. So yes I agree re-book him vs Khazmat.

[@Mmalover_150]

My whole day was ruined because of this, now he has to fight a very dangerous opponent with nothing by to gain

[@Samvanderburg]

My bet, as long as Rob beats Aliskerov, we'll get Izzy v Dricus, Strickland v Rob for #1 contender. BOOK IT 🤩

[@joshuakerstein9573]

Let’s get cooking #reapernation baby

[@NikhilKumar-fo5on]

that sucks for Rob, lol i'm staring to think these dudes get a little freaked out as fight night arrives & they've gotta actually face The Reaper. but hope Khamzat's ok in all seriousness 🙏 Rob will get his Title shot again eventually (hopefully soon rather than later), he's way too good to dismiss & a living Legend amongst fans & fighters alike.

[@JohnNZ01]

Whittaker vs Strickland. These guys will make a proper go of it. Anyone who gets matched up against Khamzat Chimaev is wasting their time. Should put Chimaev vs McGregor the undisputed excuses championship.

[@constipatedsheep6864]

I honestly think this is a harder fight for Rob. With Khamzat, he only had to worry about the first round

[@HyuugaZero]

Khamzat Vs Costa

[@tonymacdonald4131]

I was looking forward to this fight and feel sorry for Rob. 100% this was another title shot for Rob.

[@wajihbec1087]

Hopefully Whittaker wins, what might happen next could be this: Adesanya VS DDP and the winner fights Strickland and the winner of that fights Whittaker. Middleweight is weird so who knows.

[@lyndenmaxwell9711]

Thanks for the update Bro 👍

[@MMArcadePodcast]

No problem 👍

[@jasonred3874]

Rob shouldn't take this fight 😬

[@nobodyyz7725]

dracius vs strickland for title . if rob wins, he is the no.1 contender . later izzy vs khamzat for the no.1 contenderr after robert whittaker. ( izzy doesnot deserve any title shot because he didnot defend his belt even once after winning it again from alex) .

[@Ivanselectsongs]

my day is ruined and my disappointment is immeasurable. in all seriousness, it's ok, Shadow of the Erdtree is coming out 6/21!

[@Smudger-e8q]

Great updates Jonny and good luck Rob, you can do this! 👊

[@MMArcadePodcast]

Thanks brother

[@51percentproductions25]

Absolute shame. I hope Khamzat recovers quickly…. In saying that, what does this mean for Rob going forward?

[@thomasarmstrong3917]

Question for Rob: When youre not busy in a training camp if a morbidly obese brother with middleweight height and weight proportions is ever in sydney (i think thats where you are?) could said brother drop in at your gym and train? Said lardass has been training pretty seriously for a while, would love to hang out and train with a legend and good bloke.

[@MMARSUPIAL]

Khamzat has proven to be too unreliable to be put in these main events and number 1 contender fight positions. They should just rebook Khamzat with Costa.

[@celebratecrypto3693]

Yeah this is a risky fight for rob with no upside really they better pay rob very well for still taking this fight that doesn’t benefit him anyway to a title it’s like a side quest

[@peteribrahim9008]

I think Chimaev vs Imamov somewhere in the Middle East. Best of luck to Rob, true champion!

[@flimflama9333]

Whats the bet khamzat sits out and gets a title eliminator fight against an easier opponent or even an instant title shot.. Ufc knew these 2 were bad matchups for him, why not get at least 1 of them out of the way for now..

[@Flukex-ew7yo]

If the Khamzat fight wasnt even booked in the first place we couldve had Rob here (FINALLY) in Perth 😭

[@HipHopAn0n]

Ikram is a combat sambo World Champion. Never seen him fight but he must have serious skills.

[@WegaBoy]

This is the second time Khamzat has gotten seriously ill I wonder whats wrong. I wouldn't be surprised if he just randomly retires one day like Zabit.

[@STOPPROCASTINATING]

Rob is and always has been the man. I was hoping that they were going to throw Sean in.

[@MMABetviper]

Robert is still running through this guy nothing will change the outcome. There are levels

[@gcoffey223]

Yes, and unfortunately, we might see that and it might not be tge levels your thinking

[@MMABetviper]

@@gcoffey223 Ikram got knocked out by pillow hands khamzat watch what happens when Robert get his hands on him

[@ASLVN.-nz4fv]

Nah do Brendan allen vs khamzat and Rob vs strickland!

[@TehhJavi]

I’m optimistic that when Rob beats Ikram he’s built enough goodwill for a title fight next

[@MistyAndBonnie]

If its 5 rounds and iskram only trained for 3, could see a rob tko in the later rounds.

[@extracrispy9229]

They better give my boy a BAG for this fight it’s literally all risk and no reward; even if Khamzat wasn’t highly ranked at middleweight he had a huge name and beating him would be big for Rob.

[@gcoffey223]

If he beats Ikram, that's a huge win for him too. Real fans, probably yourself included know this is a dangerous fight for Rob

[@extracrispy9229]

@@gcoffey223 it is but that’s kind of my point; ikram doesn’t have near the name value that Khamzat had despite being arguably just as dangerous.

[@DarkPhantomSky]

Rooting for Rob

[@Xenamos]

It sucks to have the fight change but Rob was certainly not the underdog. Most people who arent bias towards Khamzat would think Rob would win

[@gcoffey223]

Aliskerov is a tougher fight

[@garyg1818]

I think rob will fight strickland in perth later this year

[@SirBonsley]

Dan Hooker confirmed Izzy is fighting at Perth