Robert Whittaker wants to challenge himself again and believes he has got the opportunity to do so.
In his win at UFC on ABC 6 on Saturday in Saudi Arabia, Whittaker (26-7 MMA, 17-5 UFC) outpointed Ikram Aliskerov (15-2 MMA, 2-1 UFC) with a TKO victory at 1 minute, 49 seconds into the first round.
“Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, right?” Whittaker told reporters after the event. “I was prepared for 25 minutes of intense combat. I was prepared for war, a dogfight. Like I said, I have the mentality of a hunter. I go out there and I corner my prey. I want to be the predator and I feel like I accomplished that.”
In his last 18 fights, Whittaker has only lost twice, to Dorricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. Despite the losses, Whittaker continues to overcome all other challenges.
Whittaker has requested, and been approved by UFC CEO Dana White, to serve as the backup for the title fight between du Plessis (21-2 MMA, 7-0 UFC) and Adesanya (24-3 MMA, 13-3 UFC) at UFC 305 on Aug. 17 in Perth, Australia. Whittaker explained why he believes his second shot at the titleholder will have a different outcome than his first.
“I'd like to think that (the rematch) would be a different outcome,” Whittaker said. “You can see it on paper. I've only grown since that fight. I've gotten better and better. I'm not saying I could have beaten him if I had been out there. I'm not taking away his achievements. He showed up that night, beat me fair and square and became a world champion because of it. He's a good fighter. He's good at what he does. But I know I can do better. Can I beat him? He might raise his hand again, but I know I can do better and I know I didn't play my best in that fight. That's why I want a rematch.”
As for Adesanya, Whittaker says he's still on “that list,” but for now, the title is on his mind. Whittaker wants to prove he's No. 1 in the world.
“Adesanya's still on that list,” Whittaker said, “But honestly, I think my goal in combat sports, mixed martial arts, combat sports is to reach my full potential. That's the only thing I want to achieve. I know how good I am. I'm the most dangerous middleweight on the planet. Everybody knows that. But there are high expectations on me. When I fight, when I step into the Octagon, I only want one thing: to reach my full potential. And I feel like I achieved that tonight.”
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