Daniel Cormier believes Robert Whittaker deserves more credit than he receives.
With the larger-than-life personalities of Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland often dominating the headlines at middleweight, Whittaker has been blending into the background despite his top-five ranking. However, ‘The Reaper’ made a pretty loud statement on Saturday night when he practically walked through Ikram Aliskerov in the UFC Saudi Arabia headliner.
ROBERT WHITTAKER SENDS IKRAM ALISKEROV TO ANOTHER PLANET @SpinninBackfist
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) June 22, 2024
Cormier, who was on the call that night and got a cageside seat for the highlight-reel finish, took to his YouTube channel immediately following the event to offer his take on Whittaker’s big win.
“There are a number of reasons why you’d say no, but Robert Whittaker, he just doesn’t say no. Tonight, he showed why he has long been one of the best middleweights in the world,” Cormier said. “A lot of times, boisterous fighters and people who talk a lot…they get so much respect in the world of fighting. In reality, a guy like Robert Whittaker should be the one getting the ultimate respect.
“I know that he is beloved by so many, but I still feel that truthfully, Robert Whittaker is underrated! I don’t think he gets the credit that he deserves for what he does. This is a man that has two wins over Yoel Romero. This man has fought Israel Adesanya twice. This man has beaten Derek Brunson. He has beaten so many great fighters. … On his title run, he was the best. … If you are talking about a guy who truly does live the martial artist lifestyle, you’re speaking Rob.”
Robert Whittaker Ready to Be the Backup for Du Plessis vs. Adesanya at UFC 305
Since 2024, Whittaker has only lost to two men—Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis.
On Saturday, August 17, those two men will battle it out at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia as Du Plessis, the reigning middleweight world champion, puts his belt on the line for the first time against the two-time titleholder.
Asked about potentially serving as the backup for that fight, Whittaker said: “I’m healthy. I’m hearty. Let’s go.”
UFC CEO Dana White seemingly approved of the idea. “We’d love to have him,” White said during the post-fight press conference in Riyadh.
“We would love to have him”
Dana White loves the idea of Robert Whittaker being the backup for Dricus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya#UFC #UFCSaudiArabia pic.twitter.com/b2oP9ntWiw
— FULL SEND MMA (@full_send_mma) June 22, 2024
