Whittaker Gets Real: ‘Every Time I Fight Yoel, It’s 50/50’

UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is now set to throw down with former opponent and tough division contender Yoel Romero. Speaking on the match up, the Australia native has come forward with a few words.

Whittaker and Romero first faced off back at UFC 213. The two mixed martial artists battled it out for the interim title of the division.

In the end, Whittaker earned a unanimous decision victory over his opponent. Speaking to ESPN, Whittaker went on to reveal that he believes there is a 50 percent chance he loses their upcoming title fight.

“Some people ask me: Does it give you any confidence knowing that you’ve already beaten him once? I’ve got to say ‘not really’ because he hits like a truck and it only takes one to get you. He’s a human specimen, to begin with, and he’s one of the most athletic, explosive and talented humans on the planet. So every time I step in there with him it’s 50/50.”

“I’m constantly pushing my mental capacity well over its cap. I’m thinking about his takedowns; I’m thinking about not getting hit with his sledgehammer hands. I’m tired, I need to initiate the attack; I have to push him, he has to push me. That, for 25 minutes, it takes a toll.”

“It’s more mentally taxing than physically taxing.”

“I want to be the best fighter ever, there ever was, there ever has been; there ever could be. And the only way I can do that is by fighting everyone and just stopping everyone.”

For more MMA news click here.