Former middleweight champion, Whittaker does not hide his surprise when he was selected for the historic UFC card

R. Whittaker celebrates UFC victory (Photo: Instagram @robwhittakermma)

Former owner of the middleweight belt (up to 83.9kg), Robert Whittaker does not hide that he was surprised by the invitation to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC Saudi Arabia. Participating in the ‘MMArcade Podcast’, the Australian admitted that he hoped to be part of the card scheduled for Australia in September, but emphasized that he welcomes the opportunity to face the organization’s new star.

“I have a great mindset to take on another difficult fight. I’m anxious. Every tough fight takes my skills to the next level, and that puts me in line to get the belt back. That’s the goal, right? Obviously I was a little shocked (by the announcement of the fight), because it came out of nowhere. I would have assumed that the UFC would preserve me for the card in Australia in August, I was preparing for that. But I’m happy that the UFC gave me this benefit. This is my path to the title. Furthermore, the fact that the fight is in Saudi Arabia means that it is the first time that the UFC has gone there. So I’m excited to be part of this story. I’ve done this a few times and it’s all engraved in my legacy,” said Whittaker.

The duel between Whittaker and Chimaev will headline the first Ultimate event to be held in Saudi Arabia, which will take place on June 22, in the city of Riyadh.

Number three in the ranking led by Dricus Du PlessisRobert is coming off a victory over the Brazilian Paulo Borrachinha at the UFC 298, held last February. At 33 years old, the Australian has an MMA record of 25 victories and just seven setbacks.