Dejected Robert Whittaker looks back on Paulo Costa fight falling through

Robert Whittaker was scheduled to fight on home soil for the first time since his defeat to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243.

But last month, news emerged that Whittaker's fight with Paulo Costa would no longer take place at UFC 284 due to the Brazilian having contract issues with the promotion. 'The Reaper' had eagerly awaited his opportunity to fight Costa, and expressed his disappointment about the canceled bout during a recent interview.

Whittaker spoke to Australian combat sports media company mainevent, detailing the commitments he'd made to preparing for UFC 284:

"It was very upsetting because I had planned to train all the way through Christmas, and to get the work in. I had planned sparring on Christmas Day, that's how committed I was to the cause. I'll train through it and then go on holiday afterwards with my kids. But for [the fight] to fall through, yeah, it sucks. I'm glad I kept the receipts for the Christmas presents!"

Watch the interview below:

Robert Whittaker is known for his love of the Christmas holidays, and has previously stated how much he detests having to train through the festive season and New Years.

His willingness to train on Christmas Day showcases the dedication 'The Reaper' has to becoming the UFC middleweight champion once again.

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Robert Whittaker on whether he harbors negative feelings towards Paulo Costa

Robert Whittaker's clash with Paulo Costa at UFC 284 was canceled last month after reports emerged that the Brazilian had unsuccessfully tried to negotiate for better pay.

The bout cancelation will no doubt have left Whittaker with feelings of frustration. During the same interview, 'The Reaper' was asked if he has any negative feelings towards Costa.

Robert Whittaker said this:

"I don't kow if I can be angry at him personally, 'cause he's just doing his thing. It doesn't make much sense to invest any emotions or energy there. It is what it is."

After the cancelation, Paulo Costa stated in an interview with Ariel Helwani that the UFC had not paid him, and that he was earning the same amount of money as his promotional debut.

'Borrachinha' claimed to be earning $70,000/$70,000 in show/win, and when he asked for more to fight Robert Whittaker, the UFC said no:

"I say I want new terms to fight [Whittaker]. I will not [fight] for the same money... So [$70,000] is not enough for that. Just go a little bit higher, and they said no."

Watch the interview below: