Robert Whittaker refrains from picking winner in Adesanya vs. Costa bout

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker did not quite make a prediction for the upcoming middleweight title bout between Israel Adesanya and Paulo Costa. However, he was highly complementary of Adesanya.

“I think Adesanya has the skill set necessary to beat Costa,” Whittaker told reporters. “He’s very technical … I don’t like him very much, but he’s a good fighter.” The former champ also acknowledged that Costa is “dangerous,” adding: “He’s got mad cardio and hits like a truck.”

Whittaker has yet to fight since losing his belt to Adesanya at UFC 243. That will change come Saturday, as he faces Darren Till (18-2-1) at this Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 174 on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Whittaker is eager to return to the cage, and says he is not concerned about the title implications of it. “I’m not worrying about it at all … I’m enjoying the sport,” he said. “People view me as a top contender, because I am a top contender. I’m one of the best in the world.”