UFC: Robert Whittaker makes bold statement on Jon Jones

By Kevin Sox

UFC middleweight king Robert Whittaker made a straightforward statement on light heavyweight champion Jon Jones when he tackled several topics during his guesting on Submission Radio.

“Yeah man, why not?” said Whittaker (20-4) about a potential superfight between him and Jones in the future, adding he could give the all-time great a good challenge.

“I think I could just give him a run for his money. I surprise a lot of people and I’m full of tricks. I think the intensity I bring into a fight is something that a lot of people aren’t prepared for. But he’s a great fighter, he’s super, super dangerous. I’m under no illusion how hard it would be, and yeah, I think it would be fun.”

Whittaker, of course, will be facing Israel Adesanya first at UFC 236 for the middleweight title, and the defending champion has already predicted a one-sided battle favoring him.

“It won’t be a war. Not with me and him. It’s going to be short and sweet, trust me. I guarantee you,” said Whittaker, per Bloody Elbow.

Should Whittaker go on and beat Adesanya, he believes there is no one left to face in the middleweight division, which means a clash with Jones (24-1, 1 NC) should be in the mix.

“He’s kind of cleaned out his division,” Whittaker said. “It’s one of those things. We’ll have to wait and see. I’m gonna fight Adesanya, then I’ll be a little free myself.

“I’d definitely move up, not down. But if he’s looking for opponents, that’s a fight. That’s a great fight.”

Whittaker is coming off back to back victories over Yoel Romero, and beating Adesanya would further cement his legacy in the middleweight division before he tries to reach more milestones in his career.

Only Conor McGregor and Daniel Cormier have been concurrent UFC champions after winning titles separate weight divisions.

“Obviously, all my focus has been on the division and doing work there and making waves and making moves there, but seeing Jon Jones looking for opponents and then idea of moving up, I don’t hate that idea,” added Whittaker.