Ankalaev celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC
Robert Whittaker has denied having a fight scheduled against Magomed Ankalaev . Recently, fans were surprised when the Australian announced his move to light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and indicated that he already had an opponent lined up. Around the same time, the Russian also stated that he had a defined opponent for his return to the octagon, leading many followers to believe that a duel between the former champions was on the cards.
In an interview with Main Event TV, Whittaker tried to cool down the rumors by indicating that the coincidence of announcements and dates ended up generating misinterpretations. The Australian stated that he doesn't believe the fight will happen and stressed that, at this moment, he doesn't even know who his next opponent will be.
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“We both announced our fights, and the dates kind of coincided, but I don’t think this fight is going to happen. I don’t know who I’m going to fight,” said Robert Whittaker.
Robert Whittaker and Magomed Ankalaev moment in the UFC
After suffering two consecutive losses for the first time in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg), Robert Whittaker announced his move up to light heavyweight. The change in weight class comes in an attempt to leave behind recent setbacks, including the submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev and the defeat to Reinier De Ridder.
Magomed Ankalaev , for his part, is also experiencing a period of instability. The Russian reached the peak of his career by defeating Alex Poatan at UFC 313 , but ended up being defeated in the rematch, being knocked out in just 80 seconds at UFC 320.
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