Whittaker has spoken out about the fight with Chimaev

"The bout with Chimayev is going to be tough. Obviously, he's popular, especially in Abu Dhabi. The UFC wants to make everything so that Chimaev fights for the title, to be the main challenger for the belt. But I like to disrupt their plans, that's why I agreed to this fight. Are you aware that it was me who asked to organize this fight? Right after Saudi Arabia the Abu Dhabi tournament came to my attention, because it fits my timing perfectly. I had the thought in my head, "My opponent will be Hamzat again, I just need him to step into the octagon." I'm looking forward to putting on some tough fights. I know that if I win the fight with Hamzat, nothing will stop me from getting the belt back. No matter how dangerous Chimaev is, I have no thoughts of defeat. Every fight is a risk. I agree to the fight only because I am sure of my victory. And the fight with Chimaev is no exception," Bloody Elbow quoted Whittaker as saying.