R. Whittaker and I. Adesanya facing each other UFC 243. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Former UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg), Robert whittaker guarantees that he is no longer the same athlete who was severely defeated by Israel adesanya in 2019. Ready for the long-awaited rematch against the Nigerian, this Saturday (12), at UFC 271, the New Zealander made a sincere outburst about the context he experienced two years ago and guaranteed a new version for this weekend's clash.
See too
“Coming into this fight, knowing my happiness, satisfaction and confidence in myself, in my life, career, I'm going to fight and deliver absolutely everything. What's best for me is leaving the Octagon satisfied,” said Whittaker, in an interview with 'MMA fighting'.
Anyone who notices the former champion's statement may not realize that, for the UFC 243, when he ended up dethroned by Adesanya, the scenario was different. Honestly, the athlete gave his version of what influenced his stumble against Israel.
“In the last fight, I think I had an overwhelming feeling of dissatisfaction. I wasn't happy. Going through this confrontation, I will get my satisfaction,” she said.
Since losing the belt in 2019, Whittaker has gone through real trials by fire within Ultimate. To regain his status as a challenger, the New Zealander needed to defeat three opponents. In a new moment, the fighter guarantees that he will present a new version to Adesanya and the spectators of the UFC 271.
“I'm a very different person than when I had the belt. I'm satisfied with what I'm doing in life. I think that by winning the title for the second time, I will have a better vision of where I want the belt to go. There are many cases of fighters who lose themselves when they achieve their goals. I'm not saying I suffered this mentally, but it was a situation. (…) I think I needed more time to enjoy the title and understand how the dynamics change. Unfortunately, when you’re at the top, you don’t have all that time”, he concluded.
This weekend, Whittaker heads into his 29th professional MMA fight. In the sport since 2009, the fighter has 23 wins and five losses.
You need login To comment.