Robert Whittaker is at the top of the middleweight division for a long time and he has already confronted with many of the elite contenders on 185 pounds.
'The Reaper' is now looking for a new challenge to get himself 34 years old in the winning column again.
Last time -out of UFC 308, he suffered the fastest loss of his UFC career when Whittaker was submitted by Khamzat Chimaev in the first round.
The injuries of Whittaker in that fight were well detailed, which led him to take some free time before he resolved his return before 2025.
The former champion is back in the gym, as can be seen in recent clips from Whittaker training next to Israel Adesanya, but he does not want to immediately go back a step back in the Octagon, although he has an opponent in mind.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Robert Whittaker wants to fight against Sean Strickland in June
Although both men have been at the top of the middleweight division for a while, Robert Whittaker still has to cross paths with Sean Strickland.
The often pronounced strickland has been critical of Whittaker in the past, but while 'The Reaper' spoke during a recent appearance on the Paper -Podcast with Anthony Smith, they have avoided each other so far.
“I think Strickland is making a good argument, because I have the feeling that we have both been in that top pond that circle each other for a while. For whatever reason, we are not linked, but we have both been in the area for a while.
“It is probably the fight to make, I am enthusiastic about that fight. I look at his style and I find it curious. I find it exciting to try to train. “
Strickland recently lost a one -sided rematch against Dricus du Plessis on UFC 312 who would make him against Whittaker in five rounds a logical next step for both men.
When Smith asked if Whittaker has a time frame in mind for his return, he put his desired date away for a few months to enable him to continue his progression in the gym for the time being.
“I just worked on some things, worked on some new skills, but I want to come back in June this year. That is when I want to put my hand to fight because it gives me a lot of time to just do what I do, but also in a camp convenience. ”
What other options are there for Robert Whittaker?
If Robert Whittaker does not get a fight with Sean Strickland, there are still interesting options for him in the middleweight, despite the fact that he has already confronted several top names.
With Khamzat Chimaev apparently the next man in line for a title shot, which has both the #1-ranged Nassourdine Imavov and the #6-ranged Caio Borralho who probably needs a victory on top of their impressive stripes before they get the shot.
Both Whittaker and Strickland can be the latter obstacle for both man to really strengthen their status and the next Na Chimaev.
Another option can be Anthony Hernandez who recently broke the top 10 with his victory over Brendan Allen last weekend with 'Fluffy' now hunting for a big name.
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