Though Robert Whittaker has definitely earned himself an opportunity to reclaim the UFC middleweight title, it seems he might not get the following title shot.
Whittaker is coming off a sensational efficiency, a unanimous resolution win over Kelvin Gastelum in the primary occasion of UFC Vegas 24 this previous Saturday night time. “The Reaper” has received three fights in a nine-month span since dropping the 185-pound title to present champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 and has certainly put himself able for the rematch with Adesanya.
Based on Dana White, Adesanya appears able to get again within the octagon sooner reasonably than later following an unsuccessful massive to change into a two-division champion when he dropped a unanimous resolution to mild heavyweight titleholder Jan Blachowicz in the primary occasion of UFC 259 in March. The timing of Adesanya’s return doesn’t look like it is going to line up for Whittaker, which appears to have White and the matchmakers wanting in a distinct course.
Whereas showing on The Bill Simmons Podcast this week, UFC president Dana White was requested to call two fighters that might change into massive stars for the promotion within the subsequent two years. Together with Mackenzie Dern, White named one other middleweight contender that has been surging that has been in search of his personal rematch with Adesanya, and it seems he simply may get it.
“A man that I’m excessive on proper now could be from Italy, his identify is Marvin Vettori,” White mentioned. “It’s wanting like Robert Whittaker, who simply fought on Saturday night time, isn’t gonna be able to struggle Israel Adesanya on the time that Israel desires to struggle. So it’ll in all probability be Marvin Vettori first.”
Though White didn’t reveal a timetable for Adesanya’s subsequent look, broadcast associate ESPN is reporting that talks have been ongoing for “The Final Stylebender” to compete at UFC 263, which is about to happen on June 12. MMA Combating subsequently confirmed from a supply near the scenario that the bout is being focused nevertheless it’s not executed as of but.
Vettori dropped a break up resolution to Adesanya at UFC on FOX 29 in April 2018. Since then, “The Italian Dream” has run off 5 consecutive victories, together with back-to-back primary occasion wins over Jack Hermansson and Kevin Holland.
White sees a number of star potential in Vettori and believes he may assist develop the model in a serious manner in his house nation.
“Very like Conor McGregor, Conor ignited Europe. All people who didn’t know the UFC is aware of the UFC now due to Conor McGregor all through Europe. That is what this man may do for Italy,” White acknowledged.