Robert Whittaker is holding his head excessive, as traditional.
The previous middleweight champion suffered a loss this previous Saturday in the primary occasion of UFC Abu Dhabi, dropping a detailed cut up determination to Reinier de Ridder. Whittaker battled de Ridder for 25 minutes, scoring a dramatic knockdown within the third, however a pair of 48-47 scores for de Ridder earned “The Dutch Knight” the victory.
On Tuesday, Whittaker launched an announcement by way of Instagram reacting to the loss.
“I’m upset, however I’m not disheartened,” Whittaker stated. “There are loads of issues I preferred in regards to the combat, however loads of issues I didn’t. I’m going to take all of it, head again to the fitness center, sit with the group, choose it aside, after which get again on the horse. That’s all you are able to do.
“Congratulations to de Ridder. He had a specific sport plan, he executed it effectively. It obtained him the win. It’s what it’s generally, however yeah, I’m going to study from this expertise and transfer ahead.”
Whittaker, 34, has now misplaced consecutive fights for the primary time since 2014. He was trying to bounce again from a nasty face crank submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev this previous October, however fell brief on the scorecards regardless of some sturdy moments.
With a title shot that a lot additional away, followers and critics will possible speculate on what number of fights the 16-year veteran has left. Nonetheless, Whittaker made it clear he’ll step again into the octagon once more, ideally in his residence nation of Australia.
“This isn’t the tip of Robert Whittaker,” Whittaker stated. “That is simply one other studying curve, one other velocity bump. I’m going to spend a while with my household, I’m going to only relaxation, get well just a little bit, after which hopefully get again on an Australian card. It’s been some time, and actually, I’m eager for it. It’s been some time since I’ve fought in Australia, and I’d like to combat right here once more. It’s time.”
