UFC: Robert Whittaker Breaks Down Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa

Having taken a little break from the sport, Robert Whittaker returns this weekend at UFC Fight Island 3, feeling rejuvenated and motivated. In the main event, the former UFC middleweight champion is set to take on Darren Till.

In his last outing, Whittaker lost the title to Israel Adesanya, at UFC 243 last October. The loss ended the 29 year old’s nine fight win streak. ‘The Last Stylebender’ is now expected to defend his belt against the undefeated Paulo Costa, at UFC 253 on September 19th.

Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa

Having fought Adesanya himself, Whittaker was asked to give his prediction for the middleweight title fight at UFC Fight Island 3 media day (transcript by MMA Junkie).

“I think Adesanya has the skill set necessary to beat Costa. He’s very technical, he’s very good,” Whittaker said. “He’s a good fighter. I don’t like him very much, but he’s a good fighter.

“But Costa’s dangerous. He’s so explosive, he’s got mad cardio and hits like a truck. Look at the size of him. I’m sure that does something. I’m sure that has something to do with why he keeps hurting people.”

UFC 234 Media Scrum Robert Whittaker

Enjoying The Game

Ranked as the number one contender in the middleweight division, Whittaker would be back in the title contention with a win over Till this weekend on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. ‘The Reaper’ however, is not too concerned with getting the title back as soon as possible.

“I’m not worrying about it at all, because a huge thing for me is that I’m enjoying the game. I’m enjoying the sport,” Whittaker said. “I’m enjoying the gym because people view me as a top contender – because I am a top contender. I’m one of the best in the world, and I’m still only 29. I think a lot of people forget that, as well. I have enough time to walk away from the game and just train skill sets and come back at a later time.

“Honestly, the world is my oyster where I’m sitting, and I guess my biggest thing is I want to enjoy it and earn a living, and that’s it. As a team, as a family, we’re doing it together, so [I’ve] got to be happy with that.”

How do you think Robert Whittaker vs Darren Till, and Israel Adesanya vs Paulo Costa go down?

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