Robert Whittaker believes Jack Della Maddalena’s “X factor” could be enough to overcome Islam Makhachev.
Even before the welterweight title was wrapped around his waist following an impressive performance against Belal Muhammad at UFC 315, ‘JDM’ knew that his first challenger would be Makhachev. No official date has been set for their inevitable scrap. Still, oddsmakers are already favoring the ‘Dagestani Destroyer’ to come out on top, giving him 2-to-1 odds to claim his second UFC title in as many divisions.
While many are calling Makhachev’s victory over the Aussie a foregone conclusion, ‘The Reaper’ doesn’t necessarily see it that way.
During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Whittaker offered his take on the impending welterweight clash and Della Maddalena’s chances of snapping Makhachev’s 15-fight win streak.
“I think that Islam can do everything that Belal does, but way better,” Whittaker said. “Okay, way, way, way better. So, and the fight, I thought Jack handedly had the fight, but it was a fight, okay? So I don’t think it’ll be an easy fight for Jack, but I believe in Jack. I think he’s got that X factor, he’s got that hunger there, you know, he’s got the ticker.”
Robert Whittaker looks to halt Reinier de Ridder’s momentum in Abu Dhabi
‘The Reaper’ will return to action on Saturday, July 26 when the UFC heads back to Abu Dhabi for a loaded Fight Night card at Etihad Arena.
In the main event, Whittaker will square off with streaking Dutch sensation Reinier de Ridder, who’s fresh off a spectacular second-round TKO against three-time national wrestling champion Bo Nickal.
The win moved ‘RDR’ to 3-0 inside the Octagon and one victory away from catapulting himself into the middleweight top five.
Whittaker will look to bounce back after suffering a first-round submission loss against Khamzat Chimaev the last time he was in the UAE.
