Australia’s former UFC world middleweight champion Rob Whittaker should fight sixth-ranked Paulo Costa next, according to veteran New Zealand lightweight Dan Hooker.
Since losing his title to current strap holder Israel Adesanya almost three years ago, Whittaker has enjoyed a stunning resurgence, winning four of his last five fights to cement himself as the division‘s No.1 contender.
The problem for Whittaker, though, is that his only loss in that period was once again to Adesanya in their title rematch in February at UFC 271 in Houston.
Watch UFC 279: Chimaev v Diaz LIVE on Main Event available on Kayo & Foxtel, Sunday 11 September from 12pm AEST. ORDER NOW >
But having scored unanimous decision wins against Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, Kelvin Gastelum and Marvin Vettori on Sunday (Australian time) in Paris, Whittaker finds himself in an awkward position as he is clearly too good for the rest of the division, yet is incapable of cracking the Adesanya code.
Whittaker and Costa were scheduled to meet in April last year, but the big Brazilian pulled out due to illness.
Hooker believes now is the perfect time for the two to finally lock horns, following Costa‘s recent win over Luke Rockhold at UFC 278, and that the winner should get the next title shot.
Adesanya is attempting to defend his belt for the sixth time when he faces Alex Pereira at UFC 281 in November.
READ MORE
‘Still standing’: Volk’s warning as legend tipped for brutal farewell: UFC 279 ultimate guide
‘Dragged him into a dogfight’: What can’t be overlooked in Tai Tuavasa’s brutal KO
‘Perfect storm’: Aussie superfight plot revealed for UFC star to take on world champ
“Just because the way the division has been, Israel has beaten both of these boys (Whittaker and Vettori) twice, I think a fight between Paulo Costa and Whittaker works very well,” Hooker told Fox Sports Australia’s Fight Week program.
“That without a doubt puts the winner back in for a title shot, I think that’s the best fight. ‘Izzy’ will fight Pereira and then wait around for Paulo Costa to fight Rob Whittaker and then the winner of that jumps back into the title shot.”
Featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski agreed with Hooker’s assessment.
“I think it’s going to have to be. It’s just a tricky one, isn’t it,” Volkanovski said.
“You’ve got Rob doing his thing. Obviously, he’s got the two losses to the champ but he’s just taken out everybody else.
“Another big win over someone like Paulo Costa, does that put him right back there? That’s the question, that’s what people want to know and want to see what the UFC want, what Izzy wants, and what Rob wants.”
Hooker was very impressed by Whittaker’s most recent performance against Vettori.
“Outclassed him, cleaned his clock, stayed at distance, was able to just pick him apart,” Hooker said.
“Marvin was just a step behind him the whole fight. I had it like two of the judges had it, 30-27. I thought it was pretty clear.”
