The Fight Club Podcast: 'Bobby Knuckles' - UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker

06/05/2019
Brad Lewis

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All eyes of the combat sports world will be planted downunder in October, when a trans-Tasman fight of epic proportions takes place in Australia.

UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker will defend his title against interim champion Israel Adesanya at a yet-to-be-named Australian location, for the right to crowned the undisputed king of the division.

Nigerian-born Adesanya has spent most of his life in New Zealand and trains at City Kickboxing Gym in Auckland.

'The Last Stylebender' has stated he fights for the people of both countries, while mocking his future opponent for being 'fake'.

Whittaker was born in Auckland, but moved to Australia months later.

He wears the famed 'Southern Cross' on his chest, showing his love for the country he grew up in, but 'The Reaper' has Maori blood flowing through his veins.

Whittaker told 'Fight Club', his connection to New Zealand runs far deeper than Adesanya's.

"It can't be an ANZAC clash," he told Fight Club. "I was born here, how can it be?

"He called me a Mozzie [Maori Australian] - I don't even know what that is.

"I'm not a fake Kiwi, I was born here, but I don't care. If he wants to sell the fight, then thanks."

In reality, October will be a landmark moment for MMA this side of the world and for Whittaker. That's most important - not a schoolboy feud about who's more Kiwi.

"I am pumped for the amount of spotlight New Zealand will this get for the fight.

"It's going to be a great fight for the ANZAC region and it is going to move the sport to new heights in the area."

And as for the fight? Whittaker is promising violence - dished out by him.

"You're going to see the best Robert Whittaker ever.

"I am doing everything in my power to sleep Israel. I'm going to ice him."

On this episode of Fight Club, Brad Lewis and Stephen Foote sit down with the man knows by his fans as 'Bobby Knuckles'.