Robert Whittaker "doesn't really care" if Khamzat Chimaev fights Alex Pereira for the title ahead of him
Robert Whittaker has lost just two fights in the UFC since 2014, with both defeats coming at the hands of former UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.
'The Last Stylebender' was dethroned by Alex Pereira in exciting fashion in November, and the sight of a new champion has given the top-five contenders hunger to exploit Pereira's inexperience. Whittaker is ranked No.2 in the division, and if Adesanya is not awarded an immediate rematch, the shot should logically be given to 'The Reaper'.
However, the Australian does not seem to care if he is not awarded the title shot before Adesanya or even Khamzat Chimaev.
Days after Pereira's victory at UFC 281, talks began about a fight with 'Borz' in 2023. According to Robert Whittaker, who recently spoke to Submission Radio, he doesn't care if Chimaev is given a title shot at 185lbs before him:
"They've always done weird crap like this, I've seen weirder stuff happen around titles. It is what it is. It'd be interesting, I guess. I don't really care about anything, 'cause I'm gonna fight [Paulo] Costa in February. And then whoever is in that top spot, I'm gunning for."
Watch the interview below:
Whittaker's next fight is scheduled to take place against Paulo Costa at UFC 284 in Perth next year. Another impressive performance against one of the division's elite fighters could position 'The Reaper' perfectly for a title shot.
Dricus Du Plessis thinks Robert Whittaker could beat Alex Pereira
Surging middleweight contender Dricus Du Plessis is coming off the back of his most impressive performance to date. 'Stillknocks' defeated Darren Till at UFC 282 last weekend via submission and is looking to fight another big name next.
Following his victory, he appeared on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani. The pair discussed the current state of the middleweight division and which current fighters could beat champion Alex Pereira.
According to the South African, Robert Whittaker has a more complete MMA style and would defeat 'Poatan' if they fought:
"Probably Izzy or Rob Whittaker. That’s the two guys I see... I think Alex is an amazing fighter. I think Whittaker beats him. I just think when it comes to mixed martial arts as a whole, I think Robert Whittaker has a style to beat Alex Pereira."
Watch the interview below: