Israel Adesanya has made some interesting comments about Robert Whittaker and the champ’s abilities leading up to their fight this Saturday at UFC 243. So what is Whittaker’s take on “The Last Stylebender’s” verbal shots? According to the Australian star, they’ve only made him laugh…
Adesanya’s verbal shots
As UFC 243 has approached, it’s not like Adesanya and Whittaker have been slinging insults and warnings non-stop. Compared to say the pre-fight build-up to say, Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Conor McGregor, the exchanges have been relatively tame.
But, Adesanya did let it be known that he didn’t care for some of the memes Whittaker apparently posted about him. More recently, Adesanya made headlines by saying he believes he’s going to pick apart Whittaker pretty “easily”. The vaunted striker also said he doesn’t see Whittaker as presenting a challenge that he hasn’t seen before.
Whittaker’s take
Well, not surprisingly, while speaking with the media this week Whittaker was asked about Adesany’s various comments. Has the champ been bothered by them? Apparently no (quotes via MMA Junkie):
“Not at all,” Whittaker said. “If it had become personal, I would have taken care of it personally. He’s just selling the fight, and he’s being human, and he’s running his own thing, and I’m happy for that. It takes work off my plate. But I can’t be anybody but myself. I’m just doing the same thing I always do.
“I find a lot of what he says funny. I get a good chuckle out of it, so yeah, it definitely has not affected me. I look forward to fighting him on Sunday just because he’s a good fighter, plus he wants it.”
“…I think he has great skills. He’s a phenomenal fighter. He’s got impeccable timing. He uses his reach and his height very well. He’s a great fighter, he really is, but honestly, I just think I’m better. I think I’m better everywhere, and I’m going try and prove that.”
Now, could Whittaker just be saying this, and in fact, he’s really amped up due to Adesanya’s comments? Maybe. But, if you’ve followed Whittaker over the years you know he appears to be a pretty level headed guy. He certainly hasn’t had many personal issues with fighters leading up to their bouts.
It should also be noted that Whittaker’s taken some verbal pokes at Adesany’s game too. For example, he’s argued the interim champ is “very hittable” and that Adesanya “doesn’t like getting hit”. So, it’s not like he hasn’t said anything all to raise the ire of “The Last Stylebender”.
UFC 243 will go down at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.