Robert Whittaker‘s Unexpected Benefit From UFC 308 Loss
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker may have suffered a submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi last month, but he’s calling a surprising consequence of the bout a “good riddance.” The fight took a toll on his dental health, leaving several of his bottom teeth broken and dislodged. But rather than bemoan the damage, Whittaker is surprisingly relieved.
“I haven’t been able to bite down on an apple since I was 19,” Whittaker admitted during his MMArcade Podcast. “[My teeth] have always been bad, and I should’ve dealt with them much sooner. They’re just gone, don’t need them. My life is better without them. Fun fact, though: When they took them out, they found a massive cyst in my jaw, and they think that might have been where the infections were coming from for the teeth. So, everything happens for a reason.”
Whittaker revealed that his dental struggles extended back over a decade. “I’ve always kind of had bad bottom teeth, because I’ve had missing teeth (at the top) for like 10 years plus,” he explained. “But every dentist and their friend were saying always try and keep your real teeth. I should’ve gotten rid of them years ago. The Dricus (Du Plessis) fight, they got pushed in a little bit. I had a cast in there, let them settle, yada yada yada, move on.
Then when I fought Ikram (Aliskubov), I had all the infections, had to get four root canals, and I think the teeth had just had it, mate.”
The Carnage of Combat Sports on Dental Health
Whittaker’s experience highlights the grueling nature of combat sports and their potential impact on dental health. Even with mouthguards, blows to the face can lead to chipped, loosened, or even knocked-out teeth.
The constant risk of injury adds another layer of complexity to an already demanding profession. The buildup of stress and strain can exacerbate existing dental issues, sometimes leading to infections and chronic pain.
Whittaker’s situation serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by athletes who step into the octagon or the boxing ring.
Despite the dental setback, Whittaker remains a top contender in the UFC’s middleweight division. Currently ranked No. 4, he’s just a couple of victories away from potentially challenging for the title again. His next bout, scheduled for early February in Riyadh, could be a pivotal step towards another championship fight.
What dental issues had Robert Whittaker been experiencing before his fight with Khamzat Chimaev?
## Robert Whittaker’s Unexpected Benefit From UFC 308 Loss
**Interviewer:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re joined by the always entertaining, former UFC Middleweight Champion, Robert Whittaker. Rob, thanks for taking the time.
**Robert Whittaker:** Thanks for having me.
**Interviewer:** Now, Rob, everyone knows about your tough fight against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308, a hard-fought battle that ultimately ended in a submission loss. But there seems to be an unexpected silver lining to the experience. Can you tell us more?
**Robert Whittaker:** (Chuckles) Yeah, it’s kind of ironic really. The fight definitely took a toll on my teeth. Let’s just say a few of them ended up needing to be removed.
**Interviewer:** That sounds painful!
**Robert Whittaker:** It wasn’t pleasant, that’s for sure. But honestly, I’m kind of relieved they’re gone. [1](https://www.lowkickmma.com/robert-whittaker-teeth-removed-khamzat-chimaev/)
**Interviewer:** Relieved?
**Robert Whittaker:** Yeah, my teeth have been a problem since I was a teenager. I haven’t been able to bite into an apple properly since I was 19. They just weren’t doing me any favors. Now, it’s like a weight off my shoulders.
**Interviewer:** And I heard there was an added bonus to the removal?
**Robert Whittaker:** Absolutely! Turns out they discovered a massive cyst in my jaw while they were taking out the teeth. The doctors reckon it might have been causing me some problems down the line, so it’s good they found it.
**Interviewer:** Wow, talk about a hidden benefit. It sounds like you’re making the best of a difficult situation.
**Robert Whittaker:** Definitely. Sometimes you gotta look for the positives, right?
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. Well, Rob, thanks for sharing your story. We wish you all the best in your recovery and future fights.
**Robert Whittaker:** Cheers, mate. Appreciate it.