UFC Fight Night just got over in Saudi Arabia and Robert Whittaker quickly reminded the fans that he is still one of the top contenders. The former champ fought against Ikram Aliskerov and ‘The Reaper’ won in the fist round itself via KO/TKO. He once again proved that he still has fuel left in him and now has eyes for UFC 305. Meanwhile, Sean Strickland also won his fight against Paulo Costa in UFC 302. In the same context, a veteran UFC insider discussed two choices for the backup in Perth.
According to the insider, there are two options and Dana White needs to decide who will go for backup and who is going to get the title shot.
UFC insider clears doubts on Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland
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The former middleweight champion is fresh off a split decision victory and does not intend to fight again until he has another title shot. He lost to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297 and then won over Costa at UFC 302. Whittaker, on the other hand, is also coming off a recent win over Costa and a first-round KO over Aliserkov. Both are vying for a title shot right now and Whittaker is willing to fight Strickland in the one-contender tittle but the latter is not on board. In this same context, Chael Sonnen spoke about the choices White has.
Explaining the situation on his YouTube channel, Sonnen said, “Let’s understand that Ikram just got eliminated. And let’s be very realistic with ourselves that we are down to Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland. Now when I ask you what should be done, I tell you you’ve got your options. Your option is, that you pick either Sean or Whittaker to be the opponent regardless of the outcome and that’s a very rare thing in this sport. In fact, off the top of my head, I can think of twice it’s ever been done.”
Not only did he talk about either of them being the title contender as well as the backup for Perth, but he also spoke on how Israel Adesanya has a better chance of winning this fight. On the other hand, Whittaker has shown interest in being the backup fighter for Izzy vs Du Plessis bout.
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Robert Whittaker wants to be backup for UFC 305
The 33-year-old was in great form when he won against Aliserkov and now his next target is Perth featuring Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya in the title fight. During his post-fight interview, he said, “Yeah, like Perth is round the corner for me. Like it would be silly for me not to be a backup fighter.”
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He is always vocal about his abilities and skills and right now he is at his best. Whittaker confirmed that he was fit to go to Perth and talked about his form and shape. He wants to fight Dricus or Izzy and thinks of them as capable opponents. On top of that it is his hometown so his eagerness is valid. Chael Sonnen along with other experts are making their predictions for the Perth title fight and Whittaker also had his own choice. He chose Du Plessis as the winner.
Who is your pick for the UFC 305 main card? Let us know in the comments.