There were a lot of questions surrounding Khamzat Chimaev heading into the biggest fight of his career at UFC 308.
Would he make it to the fight? Would he be able to recapture the excitement that was once around him and how would he fare against a former champion in Robert Whittaker?
Well, due to his extremely aggressive style, we still don't know the answers to some of those questions because it's so hard for opponents to survive the opening round.
Chimaev quickly dived at Whittaker to initiate his grappling game and after several attempts, he found the submission to record a huge victory and maintain his undefeated record.
When Daniel Cormier entered into the Octagon and said, "I'm here with Khamzat Chimaev," the victor let it be known that he had no doubts about getting his hand raised.
"Of course with me brother, what are you thinking about man. Always with me."
There had been a different aura around Chimaev all throughout fight week and though he still carried a star quality, there wasn't the same kind of menacing coldness.
This was clear in his post-fight interview where he thanked "The Reaper" for getting in the cage with him after their originally scheduled meeting was cancelled earlier this year.
"Yeah man, I go for the belt. That guy is, thanks Rob. I love you my brother, you've been always picture for me. You're legend but respect, he took the fight, he fight with me man. No one wants to fight with me, they all the champions running from me."
Though Chimaev's personality seems a lot warmer, his fighting style is still absolutely ruthless.
After applying the choke across Whittaker's jaw, the former champion quickly tapped, indicating that there was an injury involved in the stoppage.
Chimaev told Cormier that he believed this to be the case with Whittaker later releasing evidence that showed a gruesome amount of damage that was done in such a short time.
"Yeah I feel when his chin is almost broken, I feel something wrong, a click. Then I knew it's on."
Chimaev's final message was clear, he wants the chance to fight for UFC gold.
Former champion Sean Strickland was seemingly being set up for a rematch with Dricus Du Plessis but after that kind of performance, the South African champion may have a new challenger knocking at the door.
"Dana, what's wrong with UFC man? Give me the belt!"
Watch the full interview below:
