Search

show me:

Whittaker eyes another 2020 UFC bout

3 minute read

Robert Whittaker would have no hesitation in returning to the UFC's Fight Island after a win there last weekend and wants another bout in 2020.

ROBERT WHITTAKER.
ROBERT WHITTAKER. Picture: Jamie Squire/Getty Images

Australia's former UFC middleweight world champion is looking for a second bout in a year for the first time since 2017 and would happily return to Fight Island.

Sydneysider Whittaker is in quarantine back home after returning from his unanimous points win over Englishman Darren Till in Abu Dhabi last Sunday.

A frustrating catalogue of injuries and illness have stalled Whittaker's career over the last couple of years,

But he said he was in tip top shape following Sunday's fight and would be back in the gym after spending some time with his family once his quarantine period finished.

"I would love to fight again this year, that's the plan thus far," Whittaker told AAP.

Playing video games and his guitar while in isolation, Whittaker has yet to hear from the UFC about an opponent, date and destination for his next fight.

But he would have no hesitation in returning to Fight Island, where fellow Australian Alex Volkanovski successfully defended his featherweight title two weeks earlier.

"It was unique. There's such a different sort of atmosphere from what I'm used to," Whittaker said.

'The UFC has done an excellent job in setting it all up and making it as professional as it is, so I look forward to going back there."

Despite the well-published delays Whittaker is in no hurry and still feels he has lots of time left in the UFC.

"I'm only 29, a lot of the division is older than me, so I have plenty of room to grow and plenty of room to get better," he said.

"I've created my legacy. I'm one of the best fighters there ever has been, and I look forward to further cementing that."

Whittaker recovered from a first-round knockdown to defeat Till in a tactical battle he described as one of his most mentally exhausting fights.

It represented a successful return following a break earlier in the year after he suffered from burnout.

"To come out of a break, of being burnt out and to change things up a little bit, to come out with a victory is nothing but a relief," Whittaker said.

He felt he clinched the fight with some late takedowns, utilising a part of his arsenal he has rarely displayed.

"My grappling is very underestimated because I've never used it," Whittaker said.

"But ever since I was a kid, I've been working on my wrestling and grappling.

"I think the last fight was the doors opening for that aspect and I'd like next fight to just really display more of my complete skill set."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au