At UFC Saudi Arabia, Robert Whittaker made an impression by decisively stopping a dangerous Ikram Aliserov via knockout. Whittaker was forced to alter his strategy after Aliserov abruptly took Khamzat Chimaev‘s position. Whittaker’s approach appears successful, but Chimaev claims that some unresolved business remains.
Immediately after the fight, Khamzat Chimaev went on X to congratulate Robert Whittaker. In the same message, Chimaev called out ’Bobby Knuckles’ to rebook their fight. After learning about it, Whittaker, as always, gave a very positive response and suggested that Chimaev not be hasty. The Aussie claimed that he wants a small break and would like to settle the score anytime in the future.
Don’t jump me as soon as I finish a fight, I don’t want people to do that. I say that, but I probably did that once or twice as well. Let me have this one for a little bit, all right? We can settle the score another day.
Robert Whittaker via UFC Saudi Arabia post-fight press conference
Less than two weeks before the UFC’s inaugural trip to Saudi Arabia, Chimaev became ill and had to withdraw from the bout against Whittaker. It would have been Chimaev’s first bout of the year and his first since defeating Kamaru Usman by majority decision at UFC 294 in October of last year.
It was a great opportunity for the ‘Borz’ to register a win over Whittaker and get close to a potential title shot. However, Chimaev might have to wait a little longer for that. On the other hand, Whittaker is focused on winning the middleweight title for the second time. The ‘Reaper’ doesn’t mind getting that on his home turf.
Robert Whittaker is ready to be a backup fighter for Israel Adesanya vs. Dricus Du Plessis in Australia
The UFC middleweight championship title will be on the line at UFC 305 in August. It is Dricus Du Plessis‘s first-ever title defense since winning it from Sean Strickland at UFC 297. The fight will take place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, and Robert Whittaker will be ready for it.
Robert Whittaker wants to fight at UFC 305 (via Imago/X)During the post-fight press conference at UFC Saudi Arabia, Whittaker mentioned that he was willing to be the backup fighter at UFC 305. The fighter wants to have a conversation with his team and come to a decision as soon as possible.
It’s on home soil, I plan to be there one way or another. But I do need to go back and talk to my team. We’ve got to work on the other guys who are preparing. I took this fight and it sort pushed a lot of things around. I want to go back and talk to my team.
Robert Whittaker via UFC Saudi Arabia post-fight press conference
The UFC middleweight division was quite complacent during the title reign of Israel Adesanya. However, in the last few years, it has undergone many changes. Fans have seen three different champions, and it has kept them thrilled. It would be interesting to see if Whittaker gets his shot at UFC 305.
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