After a first-round submission win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, Khamzat Chimaev broke down his performance without grandstanding. In this brief conversation—why he seized the initiative so quickly, how grappling in the Octagon differs from Olympic wrestling, and why, in his view, the opponent had no chance in this fight.
“I Knew From the First Seconds: This Is My Pace”
— Khamzat, what did you feel after the opening exchange?
— In the very first movements I read the distance and Robert’s reactions. I caught the rhythm and realized: we’re playing at my pace. When I feel I can finish right away, I don’t drag it out—I just go and take it.
The Game Plan and the Key Sequence
— Was this a prewritten tactic or improvisation?
— The game plan is always the same: apply pressure, get the takedown, and control. The takedown landed clean; on the ground I quickly felt the control was there, and I improved position without resistance. From there it wasn’t long to the submission—I did the job and closed the fight.
“I Don’t Think He Could Have Won”
— Could Whittaker have turned the fight around?
— Honestly? I don’t think so. I didn’t see the tools to stop my pressure. We traded a bit, I took him down—and within a minute it became clear: there was a gap. He’s an excellent fighter, but in this matchup he wasn’t on my level.
UFC Grappling vs. Olympic Wrestling
— You specifically emphasized the difference between wrestling styles. What is it for you?
— People often don’t distinguish them. Olympic wrestling is an elite specialization, and if you put me on the mat with an Olympic champion in freestyle or Greco-Roman, he’ll dismantle me in his domain. But in the UFC it’s different: strikes, the cage, clinch, ground game, chokes—it’s a complete package. Here, the flow from takedown to control to the finish is crucial. It’s a different language.
On the “Reckless” Image and the Real Arsenal
— People often see you as the guy who goes “all-in in the first round.” How accurate is that?
— I’m aggressive, yes. But aggression isn’t madness; it’s calculated pressure. If I feel I can finish instantly—I finish. If needed, I’ll stretch the fight and change the pace. What matters isn’t just power, but the decision in the moment.
What You’re Taking From This Night
— What’s the main feeling you’re taking away after UFC 308?
— Confidence that everything works: preparation, transitions, control. I came in, imposed my style, and closed it quickly. That’s exactly the level of execution I’m aiming for. Next are new challenges, and I’m ready to impose the same speed and the same density of the fight.
