Alexander Volkanovski is set to get his rematch against UFC featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, but questions loom over the future of fellow former champion and compatriot Robert Whittaker after a devastating loss.
Whittaker was submitted in the first round of the UFC 308 co-main event in Abu Dhabi by unbeaten Khamzat Chimaev on Sunday morning (AEDT), with UFC CEO Dana White saying the Sydneysider's "jaw popped" and Chimaev saying he heard "a click."
Volknaovski was on hand to watch Topuria, the man who took his title in stunning fashion last February, make his first defence against another former featherweight champion, Max Holloway, in the main event.