Coach Says Robert Whittaker Could Show Why He’s a “Better Version of GSP”, Against Israel Adesanya

Robert Whittaker isn’t really known for powerful double legs and breaking out a punishing top game. But, as he gets set to face vaunted striker Israel Adesanya at UFC 243, one of his Whittaker’s coaches has said we could see the champ using a more Georges St-Pierre like approach. In fact, according to the coach, Whittaker is an even better version of the legendary fighter.

Whittaker’s championship run

As Whittaker climbed the UFC’s middleweight division, following his exit from welterweight, the Australian’s striking game was a key factor. After all, Whittaker took out fighters like Brad Tavares, “Jacare” Souza and Derek Brunson. “The Reaper’s” defensive wrestling also played a big role in his success. Case in point, Whittaker holds two wins over decorated wrestler, Yoel Romero.

Whittaker’s jiu-jitsu coach comments on UFC 243

Well, recently Whittaker’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu coach Alex Prates spoke with MMA Fighting, in advance of the champ’s fight with Adesanya. While discussing what strategy Whittaker might employ against the dynamic striker, Prates said this:

“Maybe you’ll see Robert Whittaker using a style that I think is the one that suits him better but he never really needed it because it was always comfortable for him on the feet for most of his fights,” Prates said. “With Yoel Romero, for example, it would have been stupid to try to take him down. But Robert has great wrestling and great timing. I honestly think Robert is a better version of GSP. And we might see this now.”

“If Adesanya dictates the rhythm of the fight the way he likes to do, like he did against Anderson Silva, it’s going to be a good fight for him and he will probably win by decision,” Prates said. “Now, if Robert takes that away from him, his ability to dictate the pace, it will be bad for him. If they grapple, if there’s a bit of mixed martial arts in the fight, a bit of wrestling and striking, Robert won’t get tired.

“I think that Robert is technically superior on the ground and with his wrestling. I won’t say Robert’s striking is superior, but it’s definitely on the same level of Adesanya’s. I see many people saying that Adesanya is a better striker and I think that’s really unfair. If Robert hasn’t proved yet that he’s one of the best strikers of the division, I don’t know what else he needs to do.”

Now, since St-Pierre was widely considered to be one of the best wrestlers in MMA, this is a pretty big declaration. Even if Whittaker’s offensive wrestling is close to as good as GSP’s was it wold be impressive. That aside, it shouldn’t come as a surprise to hear that we might see Whittaker mixing in take downs against Adesanya. Considering the latter’s striking pedigree, this makes a lot of sense.