Khamzat Chimaev Submits Robert Whittaker to Retain UFC Middleweight Title in Abu Dhabi

On December 27, 2025, the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE, hosted UFC 329: Chimaev vs. Whittaker, where Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev defended his UFC middleweight title with a third-round submission via D’Arce choke over Robert Whittaker at 4:15, extending his undefeated streak to 15-0. Chimaev, the Chechen wrestling phenom, controlled 10:30 of the fight with ferocious takedowns and ground dominance, landing 65 of 108 significant strikes (60% accuracy) before locking in the choke. Whittaker, the former champion, landed 45 of 92 strikes (49%) and stuffed 5 of 12 takedowns, but couldn’t withstand Chimaev’s pressure, dropping to 26-8. The 18,000-strong crowd, a passionate mix of UAE locals and global fans, erupted as Chimaev’s intensity shone, chanting “Borz!” in the desert night. Airing live on ESPN+ PPV at 10:00 p.m. GST, this headliner, part of a card featuring Islam Makhachev vs. Arman Tsarukyan in lightweight, delivered a statement performance, with X posts like @UFC tweeting, “Chimaev’s a monster—Whittaker tapped in Abu Dhabi!” This first defense solidified Chimaev as middleweight’s boogeyman while raising Whittaker’s legacy in defeat.

Fight Overview

The Chimaev vs. Whittaker main event anchored UFC 329’s main card, a 12-fight pay-per-view event with prelims at 6:00 p.m. GST on ESPN+ and the main card at 8:00 p.m. GST on ESPN+ PPV. Slated for 10:00 p.m. GST, the five-round bout was Chimaev’s inaugural title defense since winning the belt via TKO over Sean Strickland in July 2025, with the winner eyeing a potential superfight against light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira. Chimaev, the -300 favorite (BetMGM), entered undefeated, while Whittaker, at +240, aimed to become a two-time champ. X hype was feverish, with @MMABuzzX tweeting, “Chimaev’s wolf vs. Whittaker’s experience—Abu Dhabi’s gonna explode,” and @CageVibeX predicting a “sub before Round 4.” The Etihad Arena’s 18,000 fans, fueled by Abu Dhabi’s fight-week festivities like fan expos at Yas Marina and cultural events at Louvre Abu Dhabi, created a cauldron of noise. Fan predictions split 65% for Chimaev’s dominance and 35% for Whittaker’s upset, per @SkyBet polls, with the bout billed as a clash of eras in middleweight.

Khamzat Chimaev: The 31-year-old from Chechnya, Russia, entered with a 14-0 record (8-0 UFC), including 6 knockouts and 6 submissions. At 6’2” with a 75-inch reach, the orthodox fighter’s 7.2 takedowns per fight and 5.8 significant strikes per minute (UFC Stats) define his smothering style. His 2025 TKO of Strickland showcased his power. Trained at Allstars Training Center, X clips show Chimaev drilling wrestling with Alexander Gustafsson. @MMAJunkie notes, “Chimaev’s the division’s nightmare—unbeatable.”

Robert Whittaker: The 35-year-old from Sydney, Australia, carried a 26-7 record (17-5 UFC), with 9 knockouts. At 6’0” with a 73-inch reach, the orthodox striker’s 4.5 significant strikes per minute and 70% takedown defense (UFC Stats) highlight his resilience. His 2025 decision over Paulo Costa earned his shot. Training at PMA Super Martial Arts, X footage shows Whittaker sharpening anti-wrestling. @BetsMMAX tweets, “Whittaker’s +240 odds scream veteran savvy.”

The Fight: Round-by-Round Breakdown

Round 1: The Abu Dhabi crowd roars as Chimaev opens with a low kick, pressuring Whittaker against the cage. Whittaker counters with a jab, but Chimaev shoots for a double-leg at 1:20, securing control for 3:00 and landing elbows. Whittaker scrambles up late, landing a knee, but Chimaev’s dominance shines, landing 22 of 35 significant strikes to Whittaker’s 12 of 28 (UFC Stats). @UFC scores it 10-9 Chimaev, tweeting, “Borz’s pressure is unreal early.”

Round 2: Whittaker starts sharper, landing a straight right at 0:45, but Chimaev absorbs it, clinching for a takedown at 1:50. Chimaev controls for 2:40 with ground-and-pound, though Whittaker threatens a kimura. Chimaev lands 20 of 33 strikes to Whittaker’s 15 of 30. @CagePulseUFC calls it 10-9 Chimaev, noting, “Whittaker’s tough, but Khamzat’s relentless.”

Round 3: Trailing, Whittaker presses with combos, but Chimaev’s single-leg at 1:00 grounds the fight. Chimaev passes to side control, transitioning to a D’Arce choke at 4:15 as Whittaker taps. Chimaev lands 23 of 40 strikes in the round. @SherdogX confirms the submission, tweeting, “Chimaev’s a killer—Abu Dhabi bows!”

Key Moments and Impact

• Chimaev’s Takedowns: His 7 takedowns and 10:30 control time broke Whittaker, landing 65 of 108 significant strikes (60%) to Whittaker’s 45 of 92 (49%). @MMAVibeX tweeted, “Chimaev’s wrestling is suffocating—title defended.”
• Whittaker’s Early Right: His straight right showed threat, with @BetsX365 noting, “Bobby nearly shifted momentum.”
• Third-Round D’Arce: The choke sealed it, per @FightFanX: “Chimaev’s transition was perfect—legacy win.”
• Fan Reaction: Etihad’s 18,000 fans chanted for the tap, with X splitting 70% for Chimaev (@UFC_Russia: “Borz reigns”) and 30% for Whittaker’s grit (@showtimebets67: “Rob’s a legend”).

Post-Fight Analysis and Implications

In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Chimaev called out Alex Pereira, saying, “Light heavyweight next—two belts!” His ninth UFC win, including a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus, cements him as middleweight’s top star. His 7.2 takedown average and 60% striking accuracy highlight his dominance, though Whittaker’s strikes tested his chin. @TheAthleticMMA: “Chimaev’s champ-champ bound.”

Whittaker, gracious in defeat, told ESPN, “Khamzat was the better man—respect.” His eighth loss (26-8) may signal retirement talks, but X suggests a rebound vs. Paulo Costa. @maniacbetsmma: “Whittaker’s a Hall of Famer—still elite.” Middleweight remains Chimaev’s kingdom, with Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya lurking.

Event Context and Abu Dhabi Atmosphere

UFC 329 dazzled with Makhachev’s decision over Tsarukyan and a KO by Shavkat Rakhmonov. Prelims featured a submission by Muhammad Mokaev. Etihad’s 18,000 fans, amid Yas Marina expos and Louvre events, created electric vibes. @UFC tweeted, “Abu Dhabi brings the wolves!” 65% finish rate and ESPN+ PPV success marked a classic.

What’s Next?

Chimaev eyes Pereira in a superfight at UFC 332; Whittaker faces Costa in March. Chimaev’s submission cements his reign, with crossover dreams next.

Chimaev vs. Whittaker on December 27, 2025, saw Khamzat Chimaev submit Robert Whittaker in Round 3, his grappling control and 60% striking accuracy dominating the title defense. Etihad’s electric roar and stacked card amplified the stakes. As Chimaev hunts light heavyweight and Whittaker reflects, this defines middleweight’s future.