‘Plagued his career’: UFC weigh-in drama as Aussie’s rival goes late in 107-minute waiting game

Aussie Robert Whittaker has found himself at the centre of drama during the official UFC 308 weigh-ins in Abu Dhabi.

Robert Whittaker’s undefeated UFC rival has taken more than 107 minutes to hit the scales during the official UFC 308 weigh-ins in Abu Dhabi – coming out last of all the fighters and continuing a drama that has “plagued his career”.

In scenes which raised plenty of eyebrows, hyped UFC bogeyman Khamzat Chimaev was the last fighter of the entire card to make weight for Sunday’s bout against Whittaker – which effectively doubles as a UFC title eliminator.

Given Chimaev has been plagued by both injury and weight cutting issues in recent years, his lengthy wait before hitting the scales had plenty questioning if he would even make the limit of 186 pounds.

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And if he came in over, and Whittaker still accepted ... well, would he get a title shot off the back of it?

While Bobby Knuckles had no weight issues himself -- hitting 185.5pds (84.1kg) -- Chimaev had the UFC Morning Weigh-In Show cast, which included the likes of Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping, desperately looking to fill time as the minutes ticked by.

Officially, the UFC 308 weigh ins opened at 9am, with all fighters encouraged to appear within the first hour.

They were also told, however, that they had two hours to make the weight.

If any athlete came in after 10 o’clock however, they would only have one shot on the scales.

While most fighters went within the first 30 minutes, Chimaev wouldn’t not appear until there was only 13 minutes to spare.

But then, with a wry smile, the Chechnyan strolled out in shorts and slides, removed both -- and went bang on 186pds.

Asked about the delay, Bisping said: “That might have been the entire plan … because you’re in a dehydrated state for less time”.

Opponents Robert Whittaker of New Zealand and Khamzat Chimaev of Russia face off during the UFC 308 press conference at Etihad Arena on October 24, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

Well over an hour earlier however, there were suggestions on the Weigh-In Show that the long delay could mean Chimaev had awoken with a significant amount to cut that morning.

Asked about Chimaev and his ongoing scales headlines, Bisping said: “It’s crazy.

“It’s plagued his entire UFC career.

“His performances when he makes it to the Octagon are special.

“Must see TV.

“Massive displays of dominance.

“But that scale …”

Bisping did however question if Chimaev really was still having troubles given he had moved up a decision from welterweight.

“Which should’ve alleviated the tension,” the Englishman continued.

“Apparently he’s been training in the mountains, looking slimmer, he’s lost a little bit of muscle and taking things much more professionally.

“So when you speak to him, he’s been doing everything correct.

“He even spoke about how he was going through some depression before but has passed all of that -- mentally spiritually, physically, feeling like a new person.

“But now the clock is ticking …”

Eventually though, Chimaev strolled out and made weight.

Meanwhile, while Australia’s first UFC champ was hitting the scales, he was branded a “beast” by no less than UFC Hall of Famer Cormier.

“Robert Whittaker is stepping on the scale right now,” said the legend who, earlier this week, suggested with a win Bobby Knuckles should go straight into a title showdown with Dricus du Plessis.

“Just a beast.

“And him and Max (Holloway), they share a quality.

“After losing, Robert Whittaker has time and time again shown that in his darkest moments, he has never given up on himself.

“He just gets back up and gets right back to work.

“He will be the toughest opponent Khamzat has ever had”.

Elsewhere, UFC colour commentator, and former lightweight star, Paul Felder also urged Whittaker to assert his dominance from the opening moments of what could be an intense five rounder.

“Get after Chimaev,” Felder said when asked for his advice for the Sydneysider.

“He’s going to try and take you down so you gotta let him know who’s the boss

“Who is the former champ.

“Get in his face.

“Land those counter strikes, circle around that cage, put the pressure on him and gas his ass out.”

And as for Chimaev meanwhile?

According to Cormier, the Chechnyan needs to start with more caution that he did early in his career – pointing to his most recent win over Kamaru Usman, where he faded late, as proof of why.

“Khamzat Chimaev, take your time dude,” Cormier said.

“You went at Kamaru Usman as if you were fighting Ling Jingliang or Gerald Meerschaert.

“(But) these are championship level fighters.

“You gotta peel it back, leave a little gas in the tank for the later rounds.

“You exhaust yourself early and you will feel like you did in the last fight, and that won’t be good when you’re in front of a guy like Robert Whittaker.”

Originally published as ‘Plagued his career’: UFC weigh-in drama as Aussie’s rival goes late in 107-minute waiting game