DALLAS, TX – MAY 12: UFC Light Heavyweight Daniel Cormier speaks to the media during the UFC Summer … [+]
Former UFC champion Robert Whittaker wasn’t thrilled that images of his broken jaw and teeth were shared with the world the night he lost to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in Salt Lake City.
Whittaker called out the culprit, former UFC lightweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, during MMarket Podcast.
Here’s a screenshot of Cormier sharing the image.
While laughing and being good-natured as usual, Whittaker let it be known that Cormier was the one responsible for the photo being leaked online.
“I’m dirty with you, DC,” Whittaker said with a laugh. “I’m dirty with you, bro. The doctor took a picture in the medivac, like, “I’m just going to show Dana, so they know what happened.” It shows DC and DC puts it everywhere. Okay, he puts it all over the place. I’m dirty, bro. Why do you have to do this to me, brother?’
Cormier has faced criticism for his comments to fighters in the past, though he remains one of the most prominent voices in MMA.
Someone with less of a sense of humor and a less balanced personality might have been more sensitive to Cormier sharing the images. However, Whittaker is one of the most relaxed and likable fighters in the sport.
It was great to see him take it in stride, but usually, the worst photos of injury come from the fighter himself – if they’re shared at all.
During the podcast, Whittaker discussed what he’s been up to since his first-round submission loss to Chimaev. The submission knocked out Whittaker’s teeth, which led to surgery to remove the bottom row.
Whittaker says something good came out of the situation as doctors discovered a large cyst on his jaw that they said could be contributing to recurring infections in his teeth.
According to Whittaker, he is already back to training in the gym. It has been a month since the loss and only a short time since the surgery to remove his teeth. However, he has already set out to change some things with his approach.
Whittaker plans to return to the Octagon sometime in 2025, but isn’t sure when and doesn’t yet have his sights set on an opponent. It is currently ranked No. 4 in the middleweight division, and the No. 2 Israel Adesanya is rumored to go for a matchup with No. 6 Nassourdine Imavov in February.
Depending on the schedules, it’s reasonable to believe that Whittaker could potentially fight the winner of this fight. If it’s Adesanya, it would mean a rematch with another former world champion.
If it’s Imavov, Whittaker would face a rare challenge against a highly rated middleweight who hasn’t fought before. This isn’t the only scenario for Whittaker.
The No. 6 Caio Borralho is looking for an opponent after an unsuccessful campaign to fight Adesanya. The No. 7 Marvin Vettori could make his return to the Octagon sometime in the next three to six months.
The No. 8 Jared Cannonier is still tough, but he’s 40 years old. This is a fight Whittaker would favor to win as well. There are plenty of options for Whittaker once he’s ready to return, and it doesn’t look like the UFC will rush one of their most consistent fighters back into the Octagon before he’s ready.
