Whittaker saves UFC fireworks for the cage
ROBERT Whittaker doesn’t need to storm the Octagon at Madison Square Garden this Sunday. He could, of course.
And will certainly be close enough. Especially after UFC boss Dana White gifted him airfares, accommodation, even front-row tickets for the Big Apple blockbuster between Michael Bisping and Georges St-Pierre.
Indeed, normally in the fight game, such gifts are dished out with one reason in mind. Fireworks.
Like back in July, when Whittaker won the interim middleweight title against Cuban Yoel Romero and … well, guess who happened to be there? Bisping entering the cage afterwards all insults and Manchester profanity.
And for the reigning middleweight champ, yeah, it works. But as for Whittaker now returning serve?
“Ah, I don’t think so,” he grinned at midnight Tuesday, shortly before boarding a flight to NYC.
“I’ve never been one to talk out against opponents. Plus, they all see me now anyway.
“I’m on everyone’s watch list .... and for good reason. When I go into that Octagon, I’m looking for the kill. And I’m good at it.
“So both those guys, they know where I am now ... and they know time is ticking for them.”
Which is why, as was announced Tuesday, the UFC wants Whittaker in a world title at UFC 221 in Perth, February. While the headline bout still isn’t guaranteed, fight executives are hopeful the winner of Sunday’s bout can turn around within three months to go again. And for the record, Whittaker expects that man to be Bisping.
“Whoever wins my message is the same. Congratulations ... and I’m waiting for you,” he said.