Robert Whittaker suffered a severe teeth injury during a brutal submission attempt by Khamzat Chimaev, an incident that brought the focus onto Whittaker’s long-standing dental issues. The injury occurred under intense pressure when Chimaev applied a face crank, leading to Whittaker’s tooth being displaced, although many initially believed his jaw was shattered. Whittaker later revealed that he had been dealing with loose teeth for more than ten years, and ironically, the submission seemed to have highlighted an issue that had been persistent for over a decade.
The injury necessitated urgent dental surgery, and Whittaker underwent a complete replacement of his lower teeth. The situation was more serious than fans realized, as doctors discovered a large hole in his jaw that required immediate treatment. Despite the severity, Whittaker shared details about his recovery and the unexpected medical challenges he faced.
“The teeth got pushed in. I’ve always had loose teeth, and they got looser. It was the face crank,”
—Robert Whittaker, in a Red Corner MMA interview
Dana White Assumes Financial Responsibility for Whittaker’s Surgery
Robert Whittaker did not have to shoulder the cost of his dental treatment, thanks to UFC president Dana White, who stepped in to pay the medical bills, considering the injury as work-related. Dana White expressed his concern during the UFC 308 post-fight press conference, acknowledging the seriousness of the injury and providing public support for Whittaker’s recovery. This act was viewed as an important gesture from the UFC leadership during a challenging period for one of its prominent fighters.
“When your teeth are going [in different directions], it’s not good,”
—Dana White, UFC president, at UFC 308 post-fight press conference
Whittaker himself confirmed at the UFC Abu Dhabi media day that he had fully recovered from the injury and surgery. He detailed the process of having his damaged teeth extracted and replaced with implants, which are now better than his original teeth. He also publicly acknowledged Dana White’s role in covering the expenses, labeling it a work injury at Dana’s expense.
“I’m 100% recovered! Honestly, it wasn’t too long afterward because I just got them taken out, implants put in, and just had to wait for them to settle. If anything, they’re better than they were before. And the price was paid by Uncle Dana—so it’s a work injury.”
—Robert Whittaker, UFC Abu Dhabi media day
UFC Leadership’s Support Extends Beyond Whittaker
This incident came shortly after Dana White was scrutinized for allegedly not assisting former fighter Ben Askren with medical bills. However, White later clarified at the UFC Nashville post-fight press conference that he had quietly supported Askren behind the scenes. Whittaker’s case further illustrates that Dana White sometimes intervenes privately to aid fighters with medical and financial challenges, reinforcing the notion that the UFC’s support system can be more substantial than publicly visible.
Whittaker, known by the nickname “Bobby Knuckles,” will need his new dental implants in shape as he prepares for an upcoming fight against Reinier de Ridder. This matchup generates significant anticipation within the middleweight division, especially with Whittaker coming off a tough injury.
Why Robert Whittaker Accepted the Fight Against Reinier de Ridder
Reinier de Ridder’s rapid rise in the UFC followed his impressive victory over top prospect Bo Nickal at UFC Des Moines, positioning him as a major player in the middleweight category. This success prompted Robert Whittaker to step back into competition, choosing to face de Ridder instead of Sean Strickland.
At the UFC Abu Dhabi media day, Whittaker explained his decision to fight de Ridder by citing the clear impact de Ridder made after defeating Nickal. Whittaker noted that the UFC was aware of his desire to compete, but the middleweight division was crowded, leading the organization to facilitate the bout with de Ridder, which Whittaker accepted willingly.
“Once I saw the way he beat Bo, I knew he’d be making waves and causing some noise at the top,”
—Robert Whittaker, UFC Abu Dhabi media day
Whittaker’s return to the cage against de Ridder is seen as a critical moment in his career, providing an opportunity to regain momentum in the middleweight rankings. De Ridder presents a formidable challenge, known for his strategic approach and power in the octagon, making this fight an important test of Whittaker’s resilience and form after recovering from the devastating Khamzat Chimaev teeth injury.
Potential Impact of the Upcoming Match and Whittaker’s Recovery
The bout between Robert Whittaker and Reinier de Ridder is eagerly awaited by fans and analysts, as it could significantly influence the trajectory of the middleweight division. Whittaker’s new dental implants and full recovery from the earlier injury will be closely monitored, given the physicality of the fight and the demonstrated strength of de Ridder’s striking. The stakes are high, as Whittaker’s performance in this fight may determine how quickly he can return to the title contention conversation.
Following this intense period of injury and recovery, Whittaker’s resolve and physical condition are under scrutiny, emphasizing the toughness required in the UFC. This fight will reveal whether “The Reaper” can bounce back from the brutal Khamzat Chimaev teeth injury and continue his pursuit in one of the sport’s most competitive divisions.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev a millionaire?
A. Currently, Khamzat Chimaev is estimated to have a net worth of around $3 million. At 30 years old, he is very famous and wealthy in Russia. The MMA star has successfully won all 14 of his professional matches, with 12 victories coming before the fight went the distance.
Q. Does Khamzat Chimaev have a disease?
A. The 30-year-old got Covid in December 2020 and still deals with ongoing symptoms, having fought only four times in the past four years.
Q. What illness does Khamzat Chimaev have?
A. In December 2020, at age 30, he got Covid and has struggled with its lasting effects, competing only four times in four years. Now, Chimaev also has to focus on keeping himself and his young son healthy.