Robert Whittaker could be in for consecutive world

UFC president Dana White has revealed Robert Whittaker could be in for consecutive world title blockbusters in Australia, including an ANZ Stadium showdown with rising New Zealand phenomenon Israel Adesanya.

In an exclusive interview with The Daily Telegraph, White has confirmed Whittaker will next defend his middleweight title at UFC 234 in Melbourne on February 10.

The 27-year-old Sydneysider, on an unbeaten run stretching nine fights, will face American Kelvin Gastelum at Rod Laver Arena.

Middleweight champion Rob Whittaker. Picture: Sam Ruttyn
And only hours after arriving into Sydney on his private jet, the UFC boss also confirmed Adesanya — who is himself unbeaten in four Octagon appearances — was “absolutely” a chance of being next in line for Whittaker’s strap.

In fact, White revealed the rising Kiwi superstar was flying into Sydney on Wednesday morning for a meeting to discuss his future.

Asked if those talks could involve a world title fight with Whittaker, White replied: “It’s very possible, yes.

“That’s why he’s flying in here, Israel wants to meet with me and talk.

“Because if you saw the press conference after his most recent win (against Derek Brunson at UFC 230) I said that he and I needed to get together. So this is perfect.”

And should that UFC showdown take place, it would have to be on this side of the globe, right?

“Right,” White grinned. “That would certainly make the most sense.

“In fact, if these two guys fight, it’s something I would really look at doing in a stadium here.”

UFC President Dana White is in Sydney to announce Whittaker-Gastelum at Rod Laver Arena. Picture: Richard Dobson

Boasting an estimated net worth of $500 million, White is in Sydney to attend GQ Magazine Man of the Year awards.

And the UFC boss predicted Whittaker, who is also a nominee in the sports category, was set to rise up among Australia’s most recognisable athletes in 2019.

“Which seems ridiculous, that we’re still talking about Rob becoming mainstream in his own country,” White said. “But from what I hear from my people here, Rob doesn’t love doing PR.