Robert Whittaker of Australia against Israel Adesanya of New Zealand. Photo / Photosport
Robert Whittaker of Australia against Israel Adesanya of New Zealand. Photo / Photosport
If Robert Whittaker wins at UFC 254 on Sunday, Dana White knows a conversation is coming.
But not with Bobby Knuckles.
No, his chat will be with middleweight king Israel Adesanya.
Because Izzy … well, even the UFC president concedes he seems uninterested in re-matching Australia's first ever champ.
Withthe New Zealand superstar instead hyping potential fights with the likes of Jon Jones, Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, even UFC light heavyweight champ Jan Blachowicz.
When Whittaker fought Till in July, Adesanya said he wanted the Englishman next.
Just as he is now promising the same for the Aussie's latest rival.
Yet if Whittaker beats Cannonier on NRL Grand Final Day, he again becomes the No.1 contender for that belt he lost to Adesanya last October – via second round KO.
"Although a lot depends on how Rob looks against Cannonier this weekend," the UFC boss continued. "But if he wins, and looks fantastic doing it, then it definitely makes the Adesanya fight even more viable.
"So we just have to see how the fight plays out.
"But right now, the problem Adesanya has is the best problem you can have in the sport — there are so many options for him.
"It's an incredible problem to have."
White also praised the ongoing resurrection of Whittaker, who has completely overhauled his lifestyle — and training program — since suffering a breakdown in the Wana sand dunes while training on Christmas Day last year.
The fighting father-of-three, who has since admitted to being burned out before even the Adesanya fight, initially took some time away from the sport before returning to earn a decision win over Till.
