Weight cutting issues likely delayed Khamzat Chimaev’s first attempt at UFC gold. The 30-year-old has bounced between the welterweight and middleweight divisions, but his wait could be over if he emerges victorious from UFC 308.

Chimaev has amassed a 13-0 record with the last win coming via majority decision against Kamaru Usman. That was an equally bold statement that he’s ready for a title shot, but he’s still only 13th in the latest middleweight rankings.

The biggest question Chimaev needs to answer is whether his high-pressure, high-volume wrestling game is enough to beat a natural middleweight. The win over Usman should mean a lot, but The Nigerian Nightmare is a championship caliber welterweight but is trying to make a name for himself in the division.

Whittaker is a former middleweight champion who put himself back in the title picture with a first-round knockout victory over Ikram Aliskerov in his last fight.

Whether Whittaker can use the momentum to defeat another rising star will be one of the most interesting subplots of the evening.

The key for Whittaker will be weathering the early storm. Chimaev likes to push the pace, but he is used to finishing early due to his relentless pressing. If Whittaker’s takedown defense is good and he lets Chimaev chase him for a while, there’s a good chance he’ll run out of gas.

From there, Whittaker’s offense could have a chance to shine.

Whittaker’s success rate is 82 percent. His defensive struggles, combined with his size as a natural middleweight, could be enough to fend off Chimaev and cause the upset.

Prediction: Whittaker via decision