As UFC 308 quickly approaches, a bulk of the focus is being devoted to Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway. And, well, we get it. The main event is always the biggest draw.
But the UFC 308 co-main event is arguably just as juicy. We get to see Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev, a matchup many have been waiting on for quite some time.
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- What: UFC 308
- When: Saturday, October 26, 2024
- Start Time: 2 p.m. EST (main card)
- Where: Yas Island, United Arab Emirates
- Venue: Etihad Arena
- Where to Watch: ESPN+ (preliminary rounds; subscription required), Pay Per View (main event)
- Main Event: Ilia Topuria vs. Max Holloway
- Co-Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Please do not take this to mean that we are downplaying the main event. On the contrary, we already unpacked our best bets for Illia Topuria vs. Max Holloway. But the showdown between Whittaker and Chimaev is so appealing that it warrants its own breakdown.
And how could it not? Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker is a familiar face to most UFC fans. Khamzat “BORZ” Chimaev, on the other hand, is more of a newcomer. He has just 13 matches under his belt. And you know what? Chimaev has emerged victorious every single one of them.
UFC 308 Co-Main Event: Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev Betting Line
Before we go any further, let’s have a look at the latest UFC 308 betting lines for Chimaev vs. Whittaker:
As always, please remember to double-check these UFC 308 betting odds right up until you place your wager. Our Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker betting odds are accurate entering Tuesday, October 18. This gives the top online sportsbooks in the United States plenty of time to continue making adjustments ahead of the opening bell on Saturday, October 26.
Meanwhile, if you need any more proof that Chimaev (-205) is the real deal, you are getting it here. The 28-year-old enters as a pretty decided favorite over Whittaker (+175) despite having less experience, and also despite Whittaker coming off two victories this year, including a win over Paulo Costa at UFC 298.
Which fighter is the smartest bet to win at UFC 308? Let’s explore.
The Case for Khamzat Chimaev to Beat Robert Whittaker
Most of the early action is being funneled toward Khamzat Chimaev. The same goes for many expert and analyst picks.
Chimaev’s appeal is obvious. He is an exceptional grappler and takedown artist who thrives at ending matches in earlier rounds. In fact, four of Chimaev’s last seven matches have ended in Round 1 victories. Of the other three, only two made it to the third round.
The manner in which Chimaev is capable of ending things is pretty vast. The D’Arce Choke is among his calling cards and has earned him multiple early-fight submissions. But he has also shown the ability to perfect rear-naked chokes as well as knockouts (KOs) and total knockouts (TKOs) with his punching accuracy and power.
Chimaev’s reach is likewise an underrated part of his skill in the octagon. Standing at 6’2”, with a 75-inch reach, he has two inches on Whittaker (6’0” with a 73-inch reach) in both departments.
The Case for Robert Whittaker to Beat Khamzat Chimaev
Some are making this case harder than it needs to be. Heck, a few are even referencing Whittaker ahead of UFC 308 as if he is a threat of the past.
Frankly, this is bonkers. Perception seems to have changed after he dropped a pair of fights to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 and then again at UFC 271. And of course, there was also the KO/TKO letdown versus Dricius Du Plessis at UFC 2090.
Since then, though, Whittaker has been on the up and up. While his striking can still be all over the place, his stamina remains incredible. His defense against pretty much every fighting type is also absurd. He is an expert at evading even the toughest striking combinations, and Chimaev will have a hard time coming away with any early takedowns against him, too.
At this point, many will gesture towards his declining KO/TKO winning percentage. That is fair. But this dip has coincided with an uptick in competition. That is not necessarily the end of the world.
Given how well Whittaker has fared in 2024 specifically, along with the title shot that could be on the line here, any irreversible doubt feels like genuine hyperbole.
Official UFC 308 Betting Picks for Whittaker vs. Chimaev
This showdown is legitimately difficult to pick. Any outcome feels on the table. This includes the machination by which someone wins. Will it be a KO? A TKO? A submission? Will this go to a decision? It is all in play.
With that said, we are throwing our weight behind Khamza Chimaev (-205). We just do not find any of the arguments against him all that convincing.
Recently, many have focused on the level of his previous competition. Chimaev has yet to beat a ranked fighter in this division. That makes Whittaker his toughest foe to date.
That is sort of the point. Rising stars must begin on upward trajectories. Facing Whittaker at UFC 308 is the culmination of everything Chimaev has so far accomplished. It does not mean, necessarily, that he’s overdue (or inevitably facing) a loss.
Sure, Chimaev prefers to go for victories early. If Whittaker eludes that fate, the matchup becomes exponentially more interesting after Round 1. But let’s pretend that Chimaev is incapable of going the distance. His victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 went to a decision.
The skill Chimaev has displayed as both a takedown annihilator and overall fighter is undeniable. And we believe he’s about to reiterate as much at UFC 308.
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