Imago
Image Credits: Imago
Imago
Image Credits: Imago
Robert Whittaker, also known as ‘The Reaper’, is gearing up to take on Paulo Costa at UFC 298. The middleweight clash between the pair is highly anticipated by the fans as Whittaker aims to bounce back from his stoppage loss against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290 last year. Meanwhile, Costa looks to make his return to the Octagon after a long hiatus, and serious complications with his arm forced him out of UFC 294.
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The clash may also have significance for the title picture in the division as Whittaker, a former middleweight champion, can find himself in the mix for the belt if he wins against Costa. As such, let’s take a look at the possible fights in ‘The Reaper’s future if he makes a statement with his performance against ‘The Eraser’ at UFC 298!
Redemption against Israel Adesanya and Dricus Du Plessis may be in sight for Robert Whittaker after UFC 298
Robert Whittaker lost the middleweight title to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 in 2019. The fight took place in Australia where despite a valiant effort, ‘The Last Stylebender’ knocked out Whittaker in the second round of their fight.
He then rebounded with a winning streak that saw him claim victories over names like Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, and Kelvin Gastelum before challenging Adesanya for the title again at UFC 271 in 2022. This time around, Whittaker managed to survive for all 5 rounds but lost via a unanimous decision.
As such, if Israel Adesanya returns to competition from his hiatus after losing the title to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 soon, and Whittaker wins against Costa, there is an argument to be made that both men should face each other to claim the right to challenge for the middleweight title against Dricus Du Plessis.
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Whittaker also has a history with Dricus Du Plessis as he came up short against the South African in a shock upset that saw the former champion lose via stoppage in the second round of their fight at UFC 290 in 2023. With Du Plessis then securing the middleweight title against Strickland at UFC 297, it would be an interesting matchup if Whittaker manages to find a way to avenge his loss and reclaim the belt he once held against ‘Stillknocks’!
As Whittaker prepares to face Costa at UFC 298, fans eagerly anticipate the outcome and its implications for the middleweight division. Whether it’s a rematch with Adesanya or a chance to avenge his loss to Du Plessis and a shot at reclaiming the belt, Whittaker’s future in the UFC promises excitement and intrigue.
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The Australian recently also revealed changes to his mindset that he has worked on to ensure that he doesn’t make the same mistakes against Costa as he did against Du Plessis in the past!
Whittaker has only one goal in mind for Paulo Costa
Robert Whittaker suffered a shocking defeat against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290 last July. Now, he is seeking redemption in his first fight of 2024, and ahead of the crucial matchup against Paulo Costa at UFC 298, the Australian fighter has made several adjustments, including changes to his weight-cutting process and mindset.
In a recent interview with Fox’s ‘Main Event’, Whittaker stated, “I’ve just kind of brought back in some of that hostility, some of that aggression. Mate, the objective isn’t to win on the weekend, the objective is to hurt Costa.”
He also admitted to loosening his aggression in his previous fight, a mistake he aims to correct this time around. By reinstating his aggressive mindset, Whittaker hopes to secure victory at UFC 298 and move closer to reclaiming the middleweight throne he once held. As fight night approaches, Whittaker’s determination and focus are evident, reflecting his commitment to returning to the top of the division!
Do you think Robert Whittaker will be able to find his way to championship glory and get back to winning ways at UFC 298? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Edited by
Joyita Das