Robert Whittaker sheds light on Khamzat Chimaev fight rumors

The Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev rumors began several weeks ago following Dana White's cheeky response on Instagram to a fan suggesting the matchup.

However, 'The Reaper' recently confirmed that he was never offered a deal to fight Chimaev during an interview with Main Event. Whittaker was scheduled to fight Paulo Costa at UFC 284 in February but will no longer compete on the card due to Costa's withdrawal from the bout over pay issues.

According to Whittaker, the UFC are trying to rebook him for a fight against someone in March or April. An opponent is yet to be named, but 'The Reaper' believes that the promotion have someone specific in mind.

Robert Whittaker stated:

"I wasn't offered anybody [instead of Costa]. Just to clarify things. It was just, 'We can't get Costa across the line so we'll look to reschedule for March/April.' As you saw with [Sean] Strickland, who took a short-notice fight on what, tw0-days' notice, you can see Strickland would have fought. Which makes me think that the UFC doesn't want to give me any fight, they want me to fight someone specific in March or April."

Watch the interview below from 1:25:

Robert Whittaker pointed to fellow middleweight Sean Strickland's willingness to step up on short-notice to face Nassourdine Imavov in the main event of UFC Fight Night 217 last weekend.

'The Reaper' believes that the promotion could have organized a replacement opponent for him at UFC 284 if they wanted to but have an ideal opponent in mind for him.

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Robert Whittaker believes he may fight Alex Pereira next

Robert Whittaker believes that he may face Alex Pereira in his next fight after Paulo Costa's withdrawal from their bout at UFC 284.

Pereira famously defeated Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 last year, and an immediate rematch has been mentioned. However, 'The Reaper' isn't sure that the rematch will take place right now and thinks that Adesanya may allow him the chance to seize the title.

During the same interview with Main Event, Whittaker said:

"If it's not Strickland, then who is it in the top 5 that I haven't fought? I can very well see Izzy vs. Pereira [in the rematch] not happening. And Izzy just letting me and Pereira punch-on for a little bit before him sliding in to fight the winner."

Robert Whittaker has been told by the UFC that they are aiming to have him fight in March or April, and 'The Reaper' is eagerly awaiting a name.