Robert Whittaker is that dude. He took on Ikram Aliskerov on quick discover and knocked him out inside a spherical. The third ranked middleweight confirmed that he’s nonetheless among the many divisions elite. Now all eyes level ahead to see what sort of enjoyable matchup Whittaker may have subsequent. With Dricus Du Plessis defending his title towards Israel Adesany at UFC 305, Whittker is liable to get again within the octagon once more earlier than being granted a title shot. Listed below are his three greatest choices.
Robert Whittaker vs. Sean Strickland: The highest possibility
Timing is a significant a part of matchmaking. Generally fights make sense however one fighter simply took a beating and shall be out longer than the opposite fighter needs to be out of the cage. This isn’t the case with Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker. Whittaker took hardly any harm in his battle with Ikram Aliskerov final evening. Sean Strickland, who fought Paulo Costa at UFC 302 this month, additionally got here out unscathed. The timing right here works.
Strickland, nonetheless, mentioned that he’s ready on a title shot, and maybe rightfully so. However with Du Plessis and Adesanya combating in August, Strickland may get antsy. The matchup between he and Whittaker is a enjoyable one and has two contrasting kinds. Will Strickland’s bare-bones assault be one thing Whittaker has an issue with?
5 rounds, major occasion in an area. This battle is the most suitable choice.
Unfinished enterprise: Khamzat Chimaev
Earlier than he was booked for Aliskerov, Robert Whittaker was slated to battle Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Saudi Arabia. A extremely anticipated matchup, this one may very well be rebooked for the long run. Chimaev is a massively common fighter and Whittaker would have a chance to place a blemish on his report. Chimaev and Whittaker each have unfinished enterprise with one another and this one is the fan-friendly possibility.
However for Whittaker, this battle is dangerous. Chimaev has develop into kind of a pullout service provider. He doesn’t make weight. He will get sick. He’s very unreliable. The battle ought to occur on Whittaker’s phrases, not Chimaev’s. Nothing outdoors of a 5 spherical battle could be helpful to Whittaker on the subject of a Chimaev battle.
The backup possibility: Nassourdine Imavov
Earlier than Aliskerov was tapped to face Robert Whittaker on two weeks discover, it was Nassourdine Imavov who was rumored to step in towards Bobby Knuckles. Imavov not too long ago beat Jared Cannonier this month and was in form. However the quick discover nature of the battle wasn’t truthful for Imavov.
Circling again to the timing dialogue from the Strickland part, the timing might line up completely for a Whittaker-Imavov showdown. Imavov is ranked fourth within the division and Whittaker is at 5. Put this one in Perth for UFC 305 as a backup possibility in case Adesanya or Du Plessis are pressured out of the battle. Adesanya pulls out, throw Whittaker again to Du Plessis. Adesanya-Imavov is the transfer the opposite method round.