UFC 308: Khamzat Chimaev submits Robert Whittaker, sends warning to Israel Adesanya

Former champion Robert Whittaker and unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev faced up in the co-main event of UFC 308.

The UFC 308 co-main event on Saturday pitted the unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev against former champion Robert Whittaker in a bout that would have a significant impact on the middleweight title situation.

Back in June, the two were supposed to face off in the UFC but Chimaev had to withdraw because of sickness.

It had been a year since Chimaev had gone inside the octagon against Kamarfu Usman, but Whittaker came into the battle fresh off consecutive victories, including a 'Performance of the Night' bonus for his knockout victory over Ikram Aliskerov in his last bout.

Chimaev swiftly drove forward in an attempt to take the bout to the ground after Whittaker kicked him in the thigh to start.

By holding Whittaker's knees, he managed to secure a takedown and attempt to take his back.

Whittaker scrambled and stayed composed, but he was unable to get back up.

Chimaev continued to exert pressure and made an effort to subdue Whittaker again.

Whittaker defended the submit attempt when Chimaev attempted to apply a rear-naked choke.

He then slipped his arm under Whittaker's chin, and Whittaker promptly tapped out.

Chimaev stayed unbeaten and dispelled any skepticism about his readiness for a championship bout by calling out Israel Adesanya prior to the bout.