Robert Whittaker: ‘It’s Silly’ for Israel Adesanya to Get Immediate Rematch | The MMA Hour

Robert Whittaker discusses the UFC 293 main event, what happened against DDP at UFC 290, why he didn’t fight in Australia, DDP’s decision to skip title fight with injury, Sean Strickland’s performance against Israel Adesanya, the middleweight division, if Adesanya should get an immediate rematch, and more.
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[@elgauchoveloz3197]

This guy is awesome. I hope he stays in the sport as a commentator when he’s done.

[@DaveB432]

Commentator/interviewer for AUS and NZ fightsI think he would make a great coach as well.

[@thefourfourfour9512]

well he wont be a commentator because a bunch of clowns like Laura Sanko . So thats gonna be the trend going forward for now

[@DaveB432]

@@thefourfourfour9512 Sanko is a better commentator than everyone except Anik. Show some respect to how good she was!

[@thefourfourfour9512]

@@DaveB432 Angela Hill is way better than her. show some respect

[@SilentSix]

​@@zenmachine50 Who doesn't have cage experience, sanko?

[@wogerwabbitthewabbi9902]

This whole immediate rematch thing is out of control. You had aldo who ruled the featherweight division for a decade and didn’t get one. It’s just a popularity contest these days

[@seanmatthewking]

Aldo didn't get an immediate rematch because Conor didn't fight again at 145. Aldo fought for the interim belt his next fight which is as close as you can get to an immediate rematch when the champ is not currently fighting. And obviously anything involving Conor is a special case.

[@seegee9]

Agreed. It's ends up holding up divisions for a year+. Keep things moving imo

[@er7776]

Aldo also didnt get an immediate rematch against max. Holloway Aldo 2 fight was on short notice for Aldo after Franky Edgar pulled out. In the same way izzy shouldnt get one either.

[@scottsterling4713]

@@er7776 jizrael already got an immediate rematch with Alex. Since they jizrael has not done enough to warrant another immediate rematch. Jizrael dominated the division for years so an immediate rematch was warranted but not now

[@treypain5082]

When you’re undoubtedly the second biggest star in the sport, you’ve generated millions for the company, said company has just signed a new tv deal with Australia/NZ. You get a rematch ahaha. It’s just business

[@dr.loomis4221]

Whittaker's podcast is pretty damn entertaining. It covers fighting and video games...two things I love.

[@TanRicky321]

There’s something for everyone 🔥

[@HOWESTER91]

Gay

[@willemp6330]

I love listening to Robert, but I liked Grange tv a lot more. Johnny’s voice and his constant giggling is a little annoying to me.

[@dustinkilburn]

@@willemp6330nice shout on the Grange TV. Pod was mint

[@Hanashi_mma]

Gonna have to check it out

[@williamblair-]

How could you not like Whittaker such a great guy

[@bingusman69]

I don't really care for him. Dude absolutely chugs the Haterade.

[@jasonborotra4208]

What are you talking about? Ther guy is super humble lol. Not sure what you are watching lol.@@bingusman69

[@aussieflintkapping]

​@@bingusman69how is Rob pointing out that Izzy definitely doesn't deserve a rematch him drinking haterade? Dude always gives his opponents respect, win or lose.

[@myhaikaratesmellstillrocks6823]

He is so cool he literally won't say a bad word about anyone. Says he and Izzy just "rub each other the wrong way". 😆

[@scottrobertson9788]

Every time I listen to an interview with him, I think the very same thing! It comes across, so well, just love his attitude!

[@chrisadey7468]

I’m an Aussie, and Rob is one of our best ambassadors! What a great guy and role model! And one of the best middle weight”s of all time! Absolute gentleman!👌

[@TheN1H1LL]

And he has a sense of humour unlike most Aussies.

[@rjim1]

​@@TheN1H1LL The Aussies and the Brits have a very similar and probably the best sense of humour on the planet man, it's literally what they're known for. What a strange take.

[@zacknight9137]

It’s likely that us brits and Aussies have such a dry and at times sarcastic sense of humour that it doesn’t land for other parts of the world so they see it as the opposite of what it is.

[@rjim1]

@@zacknight9137 this is very true and as an Englishmen I have to tone down my scarcam when I visit the States because they take everything I say as literal and it causes a lot of confusion. Even some sayings and colloquialisms cause panic as I once said to a woman in Miami who had bumped into a concrete post in a car park without causing much damage to her car that it "wasn't the end of the world" and she replied "WHAAAT, WHY IS THE WORLD GOING TO END??" 😂

[@andrewmc8314]

Yes we also like and respect him in South Africa, a true Gentleman.

[@ratelmoney]

ariel constantly tries to pull everyone down to his level. rob always elevates. respect

[@ValiantFox]

The way he's trying to bait him into some drama that he genuinely does not care or think about. When he doesn't get the answer in the narrative he wants he just goes "ahuh". Ariel the king of selling wolf tickets.

[@wasupfool5692]

Hes just asking questions, grow some thicker skin Karen

[@ValiantFox]

@@wasupfool5692 There are plenty of fighters who dislike Ariel for good reason. Going back in time and till present day. You enjoy buying wolf tickets?

[@302xr7fan]

@@ValiantFoxjournalist of the year 12 years in a row. He must be doing something right. But Valiant fox on KZbin doesn’t approve. 😂😂😂

[@hawj1212]

what would u like him to ask? the weather? sheesh crybaby

[@brendan2274]

Robert "it's tricky" Whittaker. In all seriousness though he's always a great interview,

[@TruthSeeker-rn1tm]

It's tricky though.

[@Formtips]

I mean you gotta understand

[@jasontheworldisyours]

Bobby Knuckles does have the best fans. Literally 99% love 💯

[@canadianbacon9819]

Always an honor to hear from Whittaker

[@MegaBillWood]

Robs the man. I hope people appreciate his candor

[@BMilitant]

Always a pleasure hearing how cool Rob is

[@SocialGentleman]

whittaker did say sean had a chance, never dismissed him. It's in an interview out there.

[@jostafanboi]

He predicted Sean to win yes

[@jaimel2037]

Rob is the real type of man Strickland was talking about..hard working humble family man,that’s what most of us Aussie’s are like and why we can’t behind a Cringe Lord!

[@Luke.1779]

izzy still works extremely hard as do their whole team. someone being humble or not shouldnt reflect the effort they put in. its kinda crazy to expect everyone to behave the same.

[@burlhorse61]

Who cares what Sean says

[@ThySickn3ss]

@@burlhorse61 A lot of people, apparently

[@pilot8220]

@@ThySickn3ss No alot of people dont dumazz

[@ThySickn3ss]

@@pilot8220 ok e-thug

[@kingrobbo4054]

a dead set legend! Cant speak highly enough of this man. A true professional

[@TonyNichols-uk7do]

Sean: "so here's the thing you guys" Rob: "this is the thing"

[@Liggy]

If you read this in their voices hit like

[@TheDXJC56]

25:49 this is probably the most important part of the interview genuinely, Rob's spot on regarding why people ride with him win or lose whereas most MMA fans bandwagon on what someone's done lately and hop off the minute they can

[@TheDXJC56]

"They support me for who I am, not for what I do"

[@junjiito7100]

One of the nicest most genuine guys in MMA! 🔥

[@slicvm]

Thompson is number 1. Whittaker can be arguably number 2.

[@junjiito7100]

Fair@@slicvm

[@Creebuss]

Rob wanted to say Izzy rubs his dog the wrong way🤣😭😭

[@Formtips]

I was waiting for it haha I knew he's too good to say that stuff tho

[@kumaboyy.7443]

Robert is a very pleasant person. Smile on his face the whole interview! i enjoyed the interview! Thanks, Ariel!

[@paulnicholas7798]

22:15. This is everything. Thank you Robert. I have a knew view

[@user-kr6rw4hm7l]

Rob's reaction to Izzy and Dricus octagon interaction is hilarious...🤣

[@henryowens396]

immediate rematches should be reserved for classic-tier wars, controversial losses, and champions who have defended 3-4 times minimum in succession

[@AB-rl2ge]

I gotta say Adesanya qualifies for that. Just because he lost to one of the baddest dude’s on the planet in Poatan and then immediately got it back doesn’t take away all of the years he’s held the strap. With that being said, I don’t think he should take the rematch and instead take the time off to get his head back in the game

[@henryowens396]

@@AB-rl2ge I feel you my friend but I disagree, if this was a close fight i could see the case for adesanya getting the immediate rematch but he kind of just got outclassed , and isn't on a streak of defenses. I think he should , like you said, take some time off and at least have to have one fight in the rankings before getting the title shot back. If we continue to normalise instant rematches divisions simply don't move like they should be

[@darrynjacobs8550]

​@@AB-rl2ge1-2 in his last 3, didn't want to give Alex his 3rd shot in the trilogy, got dismantled over 5 rounds, no urgency in the last round to finish, knowing he's losing

[@QuestionMarkKick360]

​@@darrynjacobs8550but alex didn't deserve an immediate rematch either and it would've held up the division.

[@darrynjacobs8550]

@@QuestionMarkKick360 Alex starched Israel, 1 and 1 against each other in MMA and 3-1 overall

[@kjws0809]

I swear everyone at middleweight are likeable except izzy😂😂

[@Thrillhouse911]

This hahahaha

[@Chawk12]

Haters hate.... just a day in the life of a casual keyboard warrior who doesn't have a clue

[@garveysims9449]

Gotta love Rob

[@richardchamoun7649]

What a great interview! Always love listening to Rob's entertaining feedback.

[@anthonybrookes7287]

What a classy guy. Hats off.

[@makavelisoldier3966]

Met the man himself last week, just as nice in person! Great interview !

[@maximsmith8493]

Love Rob hes so genuine!

[@marksmith9697]

Ariel - from an Aussie perspective here - Sean Strickland won over the whole Sydney crowd & likely many Aussie fans at UFC 293 for a few reasons; 1 - Sean pulled off a Rocky Balboa from Rocky 4 scenario. He was written off by EVERYONE. He was fighting a hemisphere away from home on late notice, had a bad weight cut & was labeled a fool by his opponent. The odds were absolutely stacked against him & yet Sean chose to turn up & DOMINATE Izzy by executing an INGENIOUS game plan. He then screams at Izzy to throw everything he has at him in the last minute of the fight. Man, if that isn’t bravery - I don’t know what is. Australians often relate to an underdog. Especially ‘Queenslanders’ (people who live in the Australian state of Queensland) 2 - Sean may not be the most talented middleweight champion of all time. What he does have is a humble, hardworking, laid back personality & a willingness to learn & grow which resonates with a lot of Australian people. He speaks his mind & is honest about having a rough past, battling self-doubt & overcoming it all, as well as taking personal accountability & learning from his mistakes. That shows HUGE self-awareness. Respect 3 - Sean is what many Aussies would call ‘Fair Dinkum’. Sean has a sense of humor & realizes he doesn’t have to take himself so seriously & that makes him refreshing & far more relatable to most Australians than a hypocritical, self-absorbed former champion who grew up with servants yet claims to have had a hard life

[@Ace_Jermaine]

Everything you just said just went out the window as soon as you quoted MMA Guru out of all people, your kidding yourself.

[@kevinbissinger]

Just FYI, what he did was not the game plan that he came in with.

[@daLukasMain]

@@kevinbissinger It doesn't matter. The striking was working so good, so he decided to keep at it and look what happened. If he fights Izzy again, then he's got that other stuff in his back pocket. Sean would beat him again I think

[@daLukasMain]

@@Ace_Jermaine Who cares about MMA Guru? It what he said that matters. The video is REAL. The evidence he real. Guru never lied about anything. He put the evidence forth and asked people to look at it and make up your own mind. If you have seen that video, it's obvious. I'm been around mutiple dogs my whole entire life. I have never groped a dog like Izzy has done ever. Just while lying on the couch. Izzy is afreak

[@Ace_Jermaine]

@lukeferra6322 No he won't, Izzy had an off night and that's that. He relied to heavily and stuff he's beaten everyone else with. When your so active like Izzy your opponent has all the film in the world to work with. He can't be lean back hook countering any more playing possum on the cage and spam leg kicking anymore. It's time to bring back the old contender kickboxing izzy who use to light bums like Sean up easily in kickboxing and mma.

[@dan_halfsvear]

good content lately. keep up the good work of not chilling for specific fighters

[@jaredkieser9317]

Rob is such a gent. Such humility, respect and humour from one of the best to ever do it. A fighter I’ve always wanted to win, not only because of his rad style, but also because he’s such a legend. Loved the insight. Get em Rob 💪

[@zscoder]

What a class act 🤝

[@_Sp4c3y_]

We love Rob

[@Brooke.vanwingerden]

Rob is a national treasure. 🙌🏻

[@jd-wd9ww]

You can tell rob has a wisdom and understanding for life in general that unfortunately it takes many people a long time to get to.. awesome guy all the way around..

[@cathaldowdall7467]

Love listening to rob he’s pleasure to listen too .always laughing.

[@J.CagleMMA]

I absolutely hate the thought "izzy didnt show up". Sean kicked his ass, the didnt show up excuse is played out

[@AirLancer]

Also, if they "didn't show up" then they simply deserve to lose and lose the belt. That's it, plain and simple. It's on Izzy to be as prepared for the fight as he possibly could be (which IMO he was, make no mistake about it). If he wasn't and got beat, a loss by negligence or "having an off day" is a loss like any other.

[@CiGambino]

It's not an excuse, it's a fact his performance sucked. That has no bearing on the outcome or where we are now. I dont think izzy deserves the rematch, but if I were Sean I would probably want to beat the guy up I just beat, who is probably the biggest draw of anyone in the division.

[@aaronrubalcava7810]

​@@CiGambinoHis performance sucked because Sean shut his game down.

[@CiGambino]

@aaronrubalcava7810 that's definitely part of it. But usually we see him make adjustments. Often he will stay in the pocket and trade. He didn't even do that this time. He also didn't listen to this corner.

[@aaronrubalcava7810]

@@CiGambino It was all of it. Tf you talking about. There qas nothing he could do to adjust. Sean's defense was too good.

[@flowroll777]

One of my all time favorites. Much respect to Whittaker win or lose man's a legend.

[@imakimmy2]

I do know that I am out there on social media platforms SHOUTING for him to have the fight. He's a beast.

[@Redsoxman9991]

Rob just cracks me up I love this guy. One of my favorite fighters on the roster. I would love to see him become champ again I think it’s possible.

[@moosebrandon8665]

He's exactly right. That man is always held himself the right way. Never been ignorant truthful. He's always been a great guy and that's why everybody loves him

[@joshuawhinery208]

Love seeing Rob in such a good mood!

[@enriqued8220]

Rob conducts himself like a real man i hope people are taking notes.

[@ReyLeichtle]

All class as always

[@tylercampion2353]

Great interview

[@mattduncan5500]

Love Ari's question about , fans turning and if rob has experienced anything like that

[@gunneralivr7558]

Rob is the man a real propper man not a character made for media love this guy

[@siddhantkumar9287]

Such an affable dude. I love this guy!

[@jesszaeus7371]

Robert is the kinda guy that the UFC needs more of . There were so many good people's when it was considered a trashy sport . Now that it's far more mainstream. There are more trashy people who go figure.. I hope you get the belt back one day. And all the kids look up to you like they did Gsp & the rest of the good ones

[@Luke.1779]

i dont think you know what kids look up to nowadays at all

[@laaa210]

He’s never going to touch the belt

[@jesszaeus7371]

@Luke.1779 you're definitely right about that. Let's hope it's him & not Andrew Tate or you . Lol, only joking

[@jesszaeus7371]

@@laaa210 I no

[@laaa210]

@@jesszaeus7371 wtf has Tate got to do with this comment?

[@rickd438]

Such a class act.

[@tokershark1570]

Rob not buying any of Ariel’s garbage . And Ariel tries to sell Rob the same thing a couple different ways,but he couldnt get Rob to say,Sean only won because izzy was having an off night. Rob for sure doesn’t like izzy, he was never gonna say yes give him a rematch .

[@braddlesharris3577]

Ariel is a worm

[@nm5612]

To be honest he did give himself an excuse for his fight with DDP. Izzy is a guy that is scarrd of getting slept, that’s what happened when he fought Jan, he felt the power in the first round and didn’t engage. Same with Sean he dropped him in the first round and that was it mentally he switched off, that’s not to say Sean didn’t fight an amazing fight. Reminds me of the Kambosos fight.

[@ricardoalvarez8585]

How not to love this man!

[@JJandoONER]

Amazing fighter, excllent analyst even better human being

[@informationageenterprise2184]

Bobby is a class act through and through!

[@VerdeletVIII]

Rob’s just the most likable human being ever.

[@Jamie_Wilson]

Total class act, Robs the man

[@Shooter__Mcgavin]

Rob speaking facts as always 🤙

[@2006chunming]

Rob is so cool ...Gosh! What an awesome guy!

[@dustinnance3163]

I like that really nice Martin acoustic guitar! Top-notch

[@bluntedcorleone3628]

Whittaker and Volk are pfp#1 good eggs

[@hunterrayfitness]

Rob you’re the man! We love ya!

[@straightcutz6260]

I wish rob got into fight commentary... he had me HOOKED wen he was talking about fighting !! His break down of izzy sean was 😮

[@thomasobscure4978]

Rob is just such a great bloke!

[@bornnieqc9117]

legend

[@John_Connor556]

12:45 TY Rob for keeping it real & giving credit where it's due! D'Sean had a perfect gameplan & executed it to a T!

[@JRF1004]

He still my boy i hope he comes back strong

[@loyalsonofamerica5185]

Bobby Knuckles one of OKC all time favorites. Maybe top 5 all time in fan favorites. So many good fighters and that means in the Ladies divisions also. Sa'a'a'alute!!!! Whittaker is a giant of the MMA world. You all know this. Have a great year-end, everybody. Can't wait to see Bobby get back on top. He's just, special. That's it. Quality gentleman. Thanks Ariel for the super interview.

[@donerasmus1448]

The best journalist in the world. Always asks the right questions. 🎉🎉🎉

[@zeromiedo1218]

Rob's a real one

[@nickc3213]

This is true, Rob should be fitting for the belt. He truly deserves it

[@Trustytrevor]

Legend

[@John_Connor556]

I watched Whittaker defend his belt against Romero for the second time at United Center back in the day & I'll never forget it. Hell of a fighter & an even better human being, God bless you Bobby knuckles! Once a champ always a champ!

[@dogstar5927]

Rob's the Australian wonder boy !

[@hectori.torres8809]

I'd love to have some beers w this guy! Such a cool guy!!!

[@jase360spin]

whittaker is such a legend, Aussie Icon

[@KobusPrinsloo]

Robert is pure class. Dude is really a decent guy.

[@winglessone48]

Been a fan since I saw Bobby Knuckles in the house, only been amazed as how he has progressed and handles the outcome.

[@akonemanaba4183]

Let’s goo rob👍🏻

[@robovac3557]

Robert the kind of guy I wish I was.

[@bvitale35]

Class act 👌🏻

[@StaffanLiback]

True CHAMPION mentality. Who does not love this warrior!?

[@gedgedk4929]

So much respect for this warrior.

[@SY-tz3um]

whittaker is one of the classiest guys in ufc, same with wonderboy, we need more fighters to follow the standard set.

[@SamirNinche]

Best interviewer.

[@jackcamp6149]

I absolutely love Robert Whittaker. Im glad he recognises that Sean beat Izzy and it wasnt an off night

[@spencer6094]

MMA LEGEND

[@HECKSTER69]

Rob is so awesome

[@glynnmcbeath1870]

Spoken like a true champion. Your the man rob 💪 #gc 😅🇦🇺

[@Kelgee3]

GJ Bobby was hoping you'd say yourself.

[@loyalsonofamerica5185]

Mr. Poise and Class with capital C. This cat is a legend. Great DAD! What a super duper little one. All is well around the Bobby Knucks household. God bless 'em all and YOU all also.

[@OoLiiMiiT3D]

I think Robert is still very good, but he has probably taken too much damage at this point. Like back when he fought Romero he got dropped 3 times in that fight, and could continue fighting. After that jab from DDP it looked like Robert just wasnt able to recover, or it broke him or something. I've never seen Rob crumble like that after a shot. Normally he always got right back up. All the wars and the knockdowns from Romero and Izzy probably added up. I think DDP is still a beast though, but would 2018 Whittaker be done after that shot? The Whittaker that got dropped 3 times by Romero and recovered...

[@killerkendro]

I’m inclined to agree with the damage but I reckon that one more fight will tell us that

[@TheRulersBack18]

did you watch the first fight with izzy lol

[@OoLiiMiiT3D]

@@TheRulersBack18 yes, I mentioned the fight in my comment. Why are you asking?

[@serg999]

Rob's a great man

[@Hanashi_mma]

Rob . The most loved middleweight

[@jordanflynn8999]

Robs a great guy, wish him the best

[@darrengagliardi1540]

Whittaker is one of the most authentic guys on the mic. What a likable guy.

[@dankfishing716]

True professional

[@anasshahid224]

Robert Whittaker one of the most classy respectful guys in the sport 👏👏👏👏

[@fcv1967]

Gotta respect a Fallout fan

[@cbrad1146]

Sean Strickland makes all the other ufc fighters sound like drama queens

[@JasonCoreyRice]

Here’s the thing guys Aussies are Larrikins and DeSean is basically an Aussie with an American accent🇦🇺

[@Damblan]

my take too, plus we love an underdog

[@katelyn9182]

And we like a person who displays good sportsmanship

[@mrspiff6955]

Aussies just don’t like Izzy cos he KO’d your boy and danced off with his title in front of a record crowd of Aussies 😄

[@wiz3518]

​@@mrspiff6955just like the American danced of with his

[@toanv496]

@@mrspiff6955 sorry it took you this long to figure out.