Robert Whittaker is receiving significant sympathy on social media following his submission defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 on Saturday. UFC commentator Daniel Cormier posted a graphic image showing Whittaker’s front teeth badly damaged and misaligned.
Whittaker’s resilience is well-recognized, but there was some confusion regarding his quick submission to Chimaev’s chin lock in the first round of their co-main event. The former UFC middleweight champion tapped vigorously with both hands as Chimaev applied a rear-naked choke. UFC commentators speculated that Whittaker may have dislocated his jaw, a notion Chimaev confirmed after hearing a clicking sound during the fight. However, the injury proved to be more serious than a dislocation.
Cormier later shared a disturbing photo he received of Whittaker’s mouth, displaying his front three teeth displaced and oriented incorrectly. The shocking image is rapidly spreading online, generating over 500,000 views within an hour across just two shares.
“I felt something was wrong with his chin when I pushed it,” Chimaev said in the UFC 308 post-fight press conference. “I feel bad. I didn’t intend to injure him, but it’s part of my work. If I make someone feel pain, that makes me happy.”
Chimaev has now called for a title shot in the UFC middleweight division after becoming the first fighter to submit Whittaker in the organization. With this victory, Chimaev has maintained his perfect professional record at 14-0, having defeated two former UFC champions in succession.