Robert Whittaker, fresh off a knockout win at Saudi Arabia, was ready to climb back to the top. The UFC saw an opportunity and tried to set up a banger. Their target? None other than the outspoken Sean Strickland. But things didn’t go as planned.
Whittaker’s manager, Titus Day, recently spilled the beans on what went down. Apparently, the UFC wanted to book Whittaker vs. Strickland for UFC 305 in Perth. It would’ve been a number one contender fight, with the winner likely getting a shot at the middleweight title. But Strickland turned down the fight offer.
“Rob wants to fight. That’s how he makes a living… Straight after the last fight [against Aliskerov] in Riyadh, they said to us, literally on the day, they said, ‘Does Rob want to fight Sean in Perth?’ Yeah said, ‘Yeah sure, absolutely.’ Apparently [Strickland] said no. Yeah that was it,” said Day via Submission Radio.
This decision left Team Whittaker scratching their heads. Robert Whittaker is known for his “anytime, anywhere” attitude. So, what’s a fighter to do when Plan A falls through? This is where Khamzat Chimaev stepped in. Whittaker pivoted and is now set to face the undefeated Chechen at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi.
But this refusal from Strickland doesn’t mean he was scared. He seems to be playing the waiting game and is banking on a direct title shot against Dricus Du Plessis. It’s a bold move, and fans will be anticipating whether it pays off for him.
Robert Whittaker Believes A Win Over Khamzat Chimaev Will Cement His Legacy
Whittaker’s been through the wringer in his career. He’s tasted gold, faced setbacks, and kept coming back for more. Now, he’s eyeing a fight that could redefine his legacy. His next fight against Khamzat Chimaev could very well be his shot to the middleweight belt.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated Chechen wrecking ball, has been steamrolling opponents left and right. He is like a boogeyman in the division, as everyone was a bit scared to face him. But not ‘Bobby Knuckles’. He’s stepping up to the challenge.
“I expect him to come out aggressive and to be super scary in the wrestling and be very strong. Just think I’ve been in those waters before. I know how to tread. I’m good in there. I am the best middleweight in the world. Beating him will prove that, and I look forward to it,” said Whittaker via MMArcade podcast.
Robert Whittaker believes beating Chimaev will cement his status as the best middleweight. The fight’s set for UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi. He not taking this lightly and is training like a man possessed. Sweat, blood, and probably a few tears are being shed in preparation.
Also Read: Khamzat Chimaev Vs. Robert Whittaker: UFC Tweets Major Change Before Swiftly Deleting It
