Whittaker supports Covington for welterweight title shot
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is throwing his support behind Colby Covington as the rightful contender for the UFC welterweight title shot against Leon Edwards. In a recent interview, Whittaker believes that Covington has undoubtedly put a beating on most people in the division and deserves the chance to prove himself against Edwards.
While he thinks that Jorge Masvidal should also be given a shot at the title, Whittaker believes that skipping Covington does not make sense, as Colby’s style presents a bad matchup for Edwards. “Colby deserves it, but I actively would like to see Masvidal fight him first because then that would be an interesting match-up because I think Masvidal has got some really good attributes to beat him,” said Whittaker.
Despite Masvidal’s potential title shot based more on story than logic due to his beef with Edwards, Whittaker argues that it would make more sense if he fought Edwards first before getting another crack at the championship belt.
Whittaker clarifies UFC did not offer him fight against Chimaev
Contrary to Khamzat Chimaev’s claim last March that he had accepted fights against Whittaker, Colby Covington, and Alex Pereira, Robert Whittaker clarified that he was not offered a fight against Chimaev. In a recent interview with ESPN, Whittaker said he has not received any written contract or offer to fight Chimaev or any other fighter.
Whittaker had previously mentioned that fighting Chimaev would be an interesting challenge and is open to the idea if it gets presented to him. However, with the cancellation of his upcoming fight against Paulo Costa and the ongoing negotiations with the UFC, Whittaker hints at waiting for the winner of the Pereira vs. Adesanya II championship rematch at UFC 287.
The UFC advised Whittaker to wait and see what happens with the title shot, and he is currently communicating with the promotion for a potential No. 1 contender fight.
Israel Adesanya regains middleweight title against Alex Pereira
In an epic rematch between two kickboxing legends, Israel Adesanya defeated Alex Pereira via KO to regain his middleweight title at UFC 287 in Miami. Adesanya’s devastating knockout punch followed by a hammer fist sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Robert Whittaker’s subdued reaction during the live stream watchalong on the official UFC YouTube channel was due to the fact that if Pereira had won, Whittaker would have been next in line to challenge for the belt. However, with little chance for another title opportunity against Adesanya since he has already lost to him twice, Whittaker remains optimistic about his future in the division.
Adesanya’s relief was palpable after winning the fight against Pereira via KO. His swagger was on full display during his post-fight speech, even mocking Pereira’s devastating KO of Ben Askren. He acknowledged Pereira’s previous time as champion but validated his own big victory. A trilogy between Adesanya and Pereira is possible with both fighters winning one fight each.
In summary, Robert Whittaker supports Colby Covington for welterweight title shot against Leon Edwards, clarifies that he was not offered a fight against Khamzat Chimaev by the UFC, and hints at waiting for the winner of the championship rematch between Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya at UFC 287. Meanwhile, Adesanya regains his middleweight title against Alex Pereira in an epic rematch.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
