Israel Adesanya has said that if Jared Cannonier beats Robert Whittaker at UFC 254, he intends to fight the surging contender next. But, what if Whittaker is victorious on Saturday night?
Well, according to the former middleweight champ, he’s not thinking about who ‘The Last Stylebender’ will fight next, at all.
The 29-year-old Whittaker made sure he remained in the title shot mix this past July, by outscoring Darren Till for the decision win. The bout marked the first time Whittaker had fought, since Adesanya took him out last October and ended his reign as champ.
Well, after Adesanya put away Paulo Costa last month at UFC 253, he said he plans to fight Cannonier next. If, of course, he beats Whittaker on Saturday.
So what happens if Whittaker wins? Will Adesanya face the former champ again? Will he call for a fight with Jon Jones at light heavyweight?
While talking to the media ahead of UFC 254, this is what Whittaker had to say about the champ (quote via MMA Junkie).
“I don’t think anybody owes anybody anything,” Whittaker said. “I’m trying to fight Jared right now, and I’m not thinking about it at all, what (Adesanya) can do.
He can fight anyone; I don’t care. I just want to take this fight, go do my best, and go home and enjoy Christmas.”
Whittaker’s take here aside, you do have to wonder what could happen, if he scores a decisive win over Cannonier. Since Adesanya finished him in round two, calls for a rematch probably won’t be widespread.
But, if Cannonier isn’t victorious, there is no clear challenger right now for Adesanya.
And while discussing how he sees the fight with Cannonier unfolding, the Australian based fighter said this.
“Jared right now is the highest threat level than anyone because he’s the dude I have to fight,” Whittaker said.
“I’ve had hard fights, and I expect a hard fight in Jared.
He’s a hard dude. I’m not sleeping on his skill set. He can beat me. I could lose, but I don’t think I will.
“I’m certainly respecting his skill set. He’s very tough, he’s very powerful, and he’s resilient.
He doesn’t go away but honestly, I just think I’m better across the board.
“I can take this fight wherever I want it to go. I can lead this dance. I think I can sting him, I can knock him out.
Honestly, I can do anything, and I have 15 minutes to do that. It’s better than 25, so I’m looking forward to it.”
It’s a must-see fight, no question, and it will be really interesting to see how Whittaker will approach this fight, given it’s only a three rounder.
UFC 254 will take place on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
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