Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is gearing up for a shot at redemption, as he prepares to step again into the Octagon for a high-stakes showdown. UFC CEO Dana White lately unveiled a blockbuster lineup for the promotion’s inaugural occasion in Saudi Arabia, headlined by a pivotal middleweight conflict between Whittaker and rising star Khamzat Chimaev.
In a latest look on the MMArcade podcast, Whittaker expressed his pleasure for the upcoming bout, emphasizing its significance as a title eliminator match. “It’s going to be a contender battle, five-round essential occasion,” Whittaker said. “Each arduous battle pushes my expertise to the subsequent stage, and this will get me in line to get the belt again. That’s the aim, isn’t it?”
Whittaker’s journey again to title competition has been marked by notable victories and setbacks. Following his loss to Israel Adesanya in 2019 and a subsequent rematch defeat in 2022, Whittaker rebounded with a decisive win over Paulo Costa at UFC 298. The victory reignited Whittaker’s championship aspirations and propelled him again into the highlight.
Reflecting on the sudden alternative to headline the Saudi Arabia occasion, Whittaker expressed gratitude for the possibility to additional his profession. “I’d have assumed UFC was going to carry me within the ranks for the Australia card in August, which is form of what I used to be getting ready for,” Whittaker revealed. “However I’m pleased UFC have given me this boon. That is my path to the title.”
Whittaker’s opponent, Khamzat Chimaev, has additionally been making waves within the UFC with a formidable win streak. Regardless of acknowledging Chimaev’s formidable expertise, Whittaker stays undaunted, emphasizing his readiness to make historical past in Saudi Arabia. “I perceive he’s a tough fighter,” Whittaker acknowledged. “However truthfully, he likes to play the villain towards his opponents, however he’s an honourable fighter.”
With each fighters poised for battle, UFC Saudi Arabia guarantees to be a landmark occasion within the promotion’s historical past. Scheduled for June 22 at Kingdom Enviornment in Riyadh, battle followers can anticipate an electrifying showdown between two elite opponents vying for supremacy within the middleweight division.
