What was that question, bro?
Robert Whittaker demonstrated his dominance once again at UFC Saudi Arabia, delivering a stunning knockout against Ikram Aliskerov in under two minutes. The victory, which took place on June 22, 2024, inside Kingdom Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, earned “The Reaper” a $50k Performance of the Night bonus and further solidified his status as one of the top contenders in the Middleweight division.
Originally, Whittaker was slated to face Khamzat Chimaev in the headline fight, a highly anticipated bout that unfortunately fell apart just a week before the event due to Chimaev’s sudden illness. This last-minute change didn’t faze Whittaker, who adapted quickly and delivered a memorable performance against Aliskerov.
How can you not respect Robert? pic.twitter.com/4qbaFlXijf
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 22, 2024
During the post-fight press conference, Whittaker handled an unusual question from a local reporter with his trademark wit and charm. The reporter asked how Whittaker thought the fight would have gone if Chimaev had been healthy and they had fought for five rounds.
Laughing off the hypothetical query, Whittaker responded, “Mate, if I had wheels, I’d be a bike. Am I right? Like it is what it is,” he said, giggling. “Yeah, mate, what if I would have scrambled eggs instead of waffles this morning? I don’t know. I don’t know. I understand Chimaev is a hard fight, but I didn’t shirk it. I did not say yes to fighting him. You know what I mean? Yeah. I don’t know how to respond properly to that. But thank you very much.”
Whittaker’s humorous and classy response to the ridiculous question highlights his ability to remain composed and personable, even in the face of awkward inquiries. Known for his blunt answers, Whittaker handled the situation with grace, turning it into a lighthearted moment that showcased his character.
Whittaker’s victory marks his second consecutive win since his loss to current Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis. With this momentum, he is on track for a potential rematch, which could happen at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia, if all goes according to plan.
Despite the change in opponents, Whittaker’s focus and determination remain unwavering. As for Chimaev, he has made it clear that their unfinished business is still on his mind, leaving the door open for a future showdown between the two fighters.