R. Whittaker in UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Not working since September 2022, Robert whittaker continues to follow the middleweight division (up to 83,9kg.). The New Zealander, who occupies second place, says he was impressed by the size advantage of Alex Poatán about Israel adesanya, despite considering the Nigerian as a 'giant'.
“That was the only thing I really took away from that fight is that (Alex Poatán) Pereira is giant. I don't think the cameras do justice to Adesanya's size. Adesanya is a big guy, especially when you're face to face. You’re always looking for him because he’s 6’4” (1,93m), he’s a huge guy. But Pereira had bigger hands and feet, and his head was bigger. He looked a lot bigger than Adesanya,” Whittaker said.
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Still on the technical fit of the two athletes, Robert believes he is at a higher technical level than the athletes and believes there is an advantage in Wrestling and Grappling, if he has a new chance at the middleweight title.
“I’m looking forward to facing them both. I really feel like I can take myself to a new level. I can perform better. I understand where Adesanya was mentally, going into the rematch after being knocked out twice by the same guy. It was a very similar situation with me and Adesanya. I want this fight. I believe I use mixed martial arts better than these two guys. I believe I can utilize my wrestling and grappling to make it a hell of a fight for both of them,” he concluded.
Number two in the middleweight division and considered the 'champion without a belt', Whittaker has not been defeated since 2014 by any athlete not named Israel adesanya. The New Zealander has a record in the sport of 24 triumphs and six setbacks.
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