Robert Whittaker updates his dental recovery after a horrific injury at UFC 308

Robert Whittaker, the former UFC middleweight champion, recently shared an update on his recovery after a shocking injury sustained during his fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October. Chimaev’s face crank dislocated Whittaker’s bottom teeth, making it one of the most gruesome injuries of the year. However, Whittaker has reassured fans that his recovery is going well and explained that his teeth had been a longstanding issue even before the fight.

Robert Whittaker’s Ongoing Dental Challenges

Whittaker revealed that his bottom teeth have been problematic for more than a decade. The injury during UFC 308 was the culmination of years of dental troubles.

“I’ve always had bad bottom teeth,” Whittaker said on his MMArcade podcast. “I’ve been missing teeth for over 10 years. Dentists always told me to keep my real teeth, but they were unstable, almost half gone. Trauma over time just made things worse.”

Previous fights had exacerbated the issue. For instance, Whittaker’s teeth were pushed inward during his bout with Dricus du Plessis, requiring corrective measures. Earlier this year, he also dealt with severe infections that led to four root canals. “Honestly, my teeth had just had enough,” he admitted.

The UFC 308 Injury

The tipping point came during his fight with Khamzat Chimaev. Whittaker detailed how the face crank caused his teeth to dislocate completely.

“His forearm went straight across my bottom teeth, and they moved instantly,” Whittaker explained. “The squeeze after that was the end of it—they were gone. My teeth ended up in the middle of my mouth. I couldn’t fight out of it.”

Photos of the injury circulated widely, capturing the shocking moment. Despite the pain, Whittaker maintained his composure and credited Chimaev for executing his game plan effectively. “Hats off to Chimaev. He came in with a plan, executed it, and got the win.”

Recovery and Looking Ahead

While the injury was severe, it has forced Whittaker to address his dental problems for good. “In hindsight, I probably should’ve dealt with my teeth years ago,” he admitted. Now, he’s focused on recovery and preparing for what comes next in his UFC career.

Despite the setback, Whittaker remains optimistic, assuring fans that he’s “feeling right as rain” and eager to return stronger than ever.

Conclusion

Robert Whittaker’s injury at UFC 308 was both physically and emotionally challenging, but it underscores his resilience as a fighter. By addressing his long-standing dental issues, Whittaker is turning a painful experience into an opportunity for growth. Fans can expect to see the former middleweight champion back in action soon, ready to reclaim his place at the top of the division.