As UFC 308 is right around the corner, the pre-fight press conferences have started, and we have some tantalizing answers from the athletes who will fight on this mega card. The co-main event is set between middleweight juggernauts Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker a victory in this ever-important encounter could forge a way to title glory for either of the two.

For the unversed, this bout was supposed to go down at UFC’s first-ever event in Saudi Arabia earlier this year. However, ‘Borz’ was forced to drop out of the fight owing to a serious illness but with a better training regime and full recovery, the Chechen wolf is back to take on ‘The Reaper’. And it seems like the latter is pretty excited for the 25 minutes of battle but he did promise not to wrestle the Dagestani.

When he was asked about the fight, Whittaker complimented his opponent and said that Chimaev was a powerful fighter. As ‘Borz’ looked on, Whittaker further stated, “I’m gonna be doing my hardest to not wrestle with him (Khamzat Chimaev). You know I’m gonna try to take the fight in my own strengths. And honestly, I’ve heard he’s really good. He says it’s good everybody else agrees. So show me I’m ready. I want it.”

Interestingly, ‘The Reaper’ had a lot of hilarious answers at the UFC 308 pre-fight presser. Bobby Knuckles had made light work of Ikram Aliserkov on short notice, back in June when his current opponent had to withdraw due to illness. However, the Aussie larrikin will finally face the star wrestler from Dagestan. During the press conference, Chimaev poked a little fun at the seven losses that Whittaker had faced. Yet, the Sydneysider said, “Maybe the fact I know how to lose, gives me strength.”

On the other hand, ‘Borz’ joined the fun and said that they might not need the whole of 25 minutes. He even mentioned how he was here to fight and not “Jump around like a kangaroo”, insinuating his opponent’s country which got a height of response from the media.

When it comes to Chimaev’s sickness in the past few months, it was a concerning topic for the fans as well as veterans. However, he assured everyone that he changed his training and was in a better place, both mentally and physically. But this did not stop veteran analyst Kevin Iole from asking Whittaker about the worst case that would happen.

Robert Whittaker’s take on Chimaev’s illness

Robert Whittaker was unfazed by the question and, was not worried even if ‘Borz’ were to pull out. He said, “Um, you know, I can’t speak on his infrequency. You know, like I’ve been infrequent as well. It’s part of the game to a degree, but I understand what I’m getting myself into.”

He also complimented Chimaev’s heavy grappling style, and maybe that is why he promised to avoid a heavy grappling exchange. It is true that Chimaev is a storm with an undefeated record and finishes his fights within three rounds. In fact, he won against Kamaru Usman, even when he was not physically at his best potential.

It must be noted that ‘Borz’ has finally acknowledged his shortcomings when it comes to recovery and revitalization. This has led to Chimaev returning to his original wrestling coach, Salim Noutsalkhanov. And it remains to be seen if he will again be successful in this fight or if the Aussie star will become the victor. What is your prediction for this fight? Tell us your comments below.