After a dominant victory over Ikram Aliskerov at UFC Fight Night, the question remains what is next for Robert Whittaker.
The Kiwi fighter who was the former champion of the division looks set for a title opportunity.
Whittaker who is known for his all rounded versatility could face the winner of Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis.
Robert Whittaker’s Stunning Performance Reignites Title Hopes
Following on from Saturday’s stunning performance where Robert Whittaker mauled Ikram Aliskerov to win in the first round. Whittaker was excellent in the fight managing his distance and not rushing in when Aliskerov was hurt. Having landed 14/21 of his significant strikes Whittaker finished the fight early.
Moreover, given the hype Aliskerov was given by the UFC as a upcoming contender and potentially future champion, Whittaker showed all his experience in the Octagon. There was a huge difference in class between the pair as the ‘Reaper’ still showed why he is one of the best middleweights in the UFC.
Being a former champion of the division Whittaker is on a path to reclaim his belt having lost it to Israel Adesanya. Given the work Rob has done to put himself back in the title picture is incredible. The ‘Reaper’ has only lost two of his last eight fights with both of them defeats coming from either the current champion or the former champion.
Given how much of a mismatch this fight was for Robert Whittaker in the way he rag dolled Aliskerov from start to finish. It could see the UFC hand the Kiwi a high ranked opponent before the title fight Whittaker has been craving.
Whittaker Still Wants Revenge against Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya
Speaking at his post fight press conference Robert Whittaker said; “Since that fight (DDP) I have improved. I have only got better since that fight and I know I can do better. Will I beat him? Maybe he gets his hand raised again.”
“I know I can do better and I know I didn’t put my best foot forward. I want to run it back because of that”
The ‘Reaper’ went on to say; “Adesanya is still on my hit list. My goal in MMA is to live up to my potential and that’s the only thing I want to achieve. I am the most dangerous middleweight on the planet everyone knows that.”
Potential Opponents
Given how dominant this performance was by Robert Whittaker there is no shortage of opponents who the Kiwi could face. This range from Khamzat Chimeav who claims the pair have ‘unfinished business’ after Chimeav was forced to pull out of their fight. This fight would be the best option for Whittaker as beating Chimeav an undefeated UFC star will no doubt fast track his title pursuit.
Another option would be Dricus Du Plessis. The South African already defeated Whittaker when the pair clashed last time out. Given the comments made by Rob in his post fight press conference he desperately wants to avenge his loss. Also with DDP being the current champion it’s no doubt that Whittaker wants to fight him.
Whittaker’s arch nemesis Israel Adesanya is another opponent, with the pair likely to face off for a third time. The last two meetings haven’t gone Rob’s way with the Kiwi losing both bouts but could this be third time lucky? Any chance of a third meeting depends on the outcome of Adesanya vs Du Plessis with the pair scheduled to fight on the 17th of August.
Sean Strickland is a final fighter who has thrown his name into the fray. The former champion is fresh off a dominant win over Paulo Costa and could be a another opponent. Strickland has always disputed his loss to DDP and the pair could clash in order to face the winner of Adesanya and Du Plessis.
Who would you like to see Robert Whittaker face next? Comment below
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images
