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 could 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 here are his three finest 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 can be out longer than the opposite fighter desires to be out of the cage. This isn’t the case with Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker. Whittaker took hardly any injury in his combat 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, nevertheless, stated that he’s ready on a title shot, and maybe rightfully so. However with Du Plessis and Adesanya combating in August, Strickland would possibly get antsy. The matchup between he and Whittaker is a enjoyable one and has two contrasting types. Will Strickland’s bare-bones assault be one thing Whittaker has an issue with?
5 rounds, foremost occasion in an enviornment. This combat is the best choice.
Unfinished enterprise: Khamzat Chimaev
Earlier than he was booked for Aliskerov, Robert Whittaker was slated to combat Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Saudi Arabia. A extremely anticipated matchup, this one might be rebooked for the longer term. Chimaev is a massively fashionable fighter and Whittaker would have a possibility to place a blemish on his file. Chimaev and Whittaker each have unfinished enterprise with one another and this one is the fan-friendly possibility.
However for Whittaker, this combat is dangerous. Chimaev has change into form of a pullout service provider. He doesn’t make weight. He will get sick. He’s very unreliable. The combat ought to occur on Whittaker’s phrases, not Chimaev’s. Nothing outdoors of a 5 spherical combat could be helpful to Whittaker on the subject of a Chimaev combat.
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 lately beat Jared Cannonier this month and was in form. However the quick discover nature of the combat wasn’t truthful for Imavov.
Circling again to the timing dialogue from the Strickland part, the timing could 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 compelled out of the combat. Adesanya pulls out, throw Whittaker again to Du Plessis. Adesanya-Imavov is the transfer the opposite method round.
