Robert Whittaker breaks down upcoming Islam Makhachev vs. Alex Volkanovski clash - "I think he's in for a hard fight himself"
Robert Whittaker will face Paulo Costa at UFC 284 in Perth, Australia, alongside fellow Australian Alexander Volkanovski. 'The Great' is moving up to 155 lbs to take on the new lightweight champion, Islam Makhachev.
Several MMA pundits, such as Josh Thomson, have said that Makhachev will be able to dominate Volkanovski in the octagon. The Dagestani's dominance over the 155-pound division is impossible to deny. His most recent bout against Charles Oliveira at UFC 280 is a testament to the level of skill Makhachev possesses.
However, Robert Whittaker believes that Volkanovski will be able to push the lightweight champion to the limit. 'The Reaper' recently previewed the main event of UFC 284 when he spoke to Main Event:
"I think this is a hard fight 'cause Alex is taking the challenge. But Alex is a powerhouse. And he's fought at the heavier divisions. I don't think we'll see Makhachev have his way with Alex, as everybody seems to believe. I think he's in for a hard fight himself."
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Robert Whittaker will also have a challenge on his hands at UFC 284 in the form of a confident Paulo Costa. 'The Reaper' has a superb record when UFC fight cards are held in Australia, which sits at 6-1.
Whittaker will hope to extend that record to 7-1 when he faces the marauding 'Borrachinha'.
Robert Whittaker evaluates Paulo Costa as an opponent ahead of UFC 284
Robert Whittaker will fight Paulo Costa in February 2023 at UFC 284. 'The Reaper' is hoping to continue his march towards another shot at the coveted UFC middleweight title. Whittaker will be looking at his upcoming bout with 'Borrachinha' as the perfect setting to make a statement.
Costa will rely on his power to make a difference against 'The Reaper'. Whittaker is arguably the most well-rounded fighter in the division. He believes that his set of skills trumps his opponent's. However, Robert Whittaker does believe that Costa is a dangerous opponent and is not taking him lately.
He recently broke down 'Borrachinha' as an opponent when he spoke to Submission Radio:
"He's very well-rounded, he's an athlete, a specimen. He's got a lot of power, torque, explosiveness. But, I'd like to think I'm all of those things as well and better. I just think I'm better, flat better. I'm gonna train everything I have in the next 17 weeks to put him away."
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