UFC 308 results: Khamzat Chimaev crushes Robert Whittaker’s jaw for nasty first-round submission win

Khamzat Chimaev may have just jumped the line for a title shot after he made quick work of former champion Robert Whittaker in the UFC 308 co-main event.

It only took a single takedown followed by a suffocating grappling display for Chimaev to finally put Whittaker in position for his submission. Chimaev wrapped his arms around the jaw and tightened his grip with Whittaker almost immediately tapping out as he grimaced in pain.

The end came at 3:34 in the opening round. Afterwards, Whittaker revealed he likely suffered a dislocated jaw as a result of Chimaev’s submission.

“I’m going for the belt,” Chimaev said after his latest win. “Thanks Robert, I love you my brother. You’re a legend. No one wants to fight with me. All the champions running from me. Give me the belt!”

In an instant as the fight got started, Chimaev shot a lightning quick takedown as he drove Whittaker to the cage and put the former champion on the ground. Chimaev immediately started working to take the back with Whittaker doing his best to play defense without giving up a bad position in the grappling exchange.

Whittaker scrambled to escape momentarily but Chimaev was right back on top of him as the undefeated Chechen kept searching for a submission. To his credit, Chimaev also showed good patience as he continued to secure his position before unleashing his offensive onslaught.

Once he finally had Whittaker in his full control, Chimaev immediately locked on the submission as he absolutely crushed the jaw with his immense power. In the moment, Chimaev said he actually felt Whittaker’s jaw give way to his face crank.

“I feel his chin was almost broken,” Chimaev said.

It was a huge statement performance from Chimaev as he dispatched a former champion in lopsided fashion while becoming the first person to submit Whittaker in the UFC. While all signs point towards Sean Strickland getting the next title shot against middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, it’s going to be awfully had to deny Chimaev an opportunity to go for gold after this latest win.