“A young Brazilian boy who would literally die for this…” Robert Whittaker reveals how Conor McGregor’s time in the sport is over

Love him or hate him, the scope of MMA is always more appealing, especially with Conor McGregor. The Irishman returns to the mix with a five-round headliner at UFC 303. His comeback has already attracted a host of undercard and rival signings. But is this more likely to raise the bar for his peers? With what essentially marks a penultimate run, Robert Whittaker says no.

The Aussie is not one to fail to recognize a prestige legacy behind a fighter when it is due. Conor McGregor, who has long retained his spot on the UFC Official PPV buyout list, is one. Robert Whittaker knows McGregor’s return has already preemptively generated the first-ever expected live gate of $20 million in pre-sales. McGregor remains a popular draw despite his long layoff, but things could end there.

I feel like he's done his part, in what's good for the sport... He definitely still brings eyes and everything, ...working his movie Road House, it just brings more eyes and more eyes...always good but as far as fighting goes, I think it's passed. You guys would understand, like, fighting isn't one of those games you can play at...it's not one of those games you can do part-time because there's some Brazilian kid that has absolutely nothing...that would literally die for this...to beat you.

Robert Whittaker via “Triple M” radio (@triplem) with Mick & MG

McGregor is an avid MMA promoter and an inspiration. But is he still groundbreaking for MMA, or has the revival leveled off? Speak with Oscar Willis by The Mac life (@TheMacLife)the Irishman said he would weaken brutal laws. It would be hard not to be personal though; During the final stages of his contractual run, McGregor is in his redemption arc.

Even Michael Chandler thinks his return is a make-it-or-break-it situation. McGregor could still be the biggest draw of the event. Still, Robert Whittaker doesn’t want to talk about how much of an impact McGregor can make with his return. The Irishman hasn’t fought in three years and that will come at a price, especially if Chandler has been training all that time.

Robert Whittaker advises Khamzat Chimaev to control the pace before their fight

Middleweight Robert Whittaker meets Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC on ABC6 headlining June 22 at Kingdom Arena. Before that, ‘The Reaper’ was involved in social media rounds and radio sitdowns prior to the fight. He attended such an interview on the radio “Triple M”, in which he highlighted the return of Conor McGregor. His pre-fight prediction was all bleak on that front. He had valuable input on the issue of the Chechen luminary.

Control the pace, otherwise it can cost a lot; that is the essence of it. ‘Borz’, the all-round bogeyman, tends to open big in the early frames. Chimaev tended to slow down production Gilbert Brands And Kamaru Usman but ultimately survived and barely surpassed them. UFC on ABC6 marks the first 25-minute fight of his career. Whittaker, who is no stranger to five rounds, warns him ahead.

It’s a five-round fight, so I’m sure his pacing’s got to be a little different, otherwise, ...it’s going to be an early night for him...He’s got power. He’s got a very clean one-two down the pipe. I’m aware of it. Definitely not – I’m not underestimating it, but I can handle it. I do think I have the striking superiority...

Robert Whittaker vs. Niko Pajarillo of Fox Sports AUS, at UFC’s PCYC NSW launch (@mainevent)

Whittaker sees Burns’ close loss to Chimaev at UFC 273 as a similar blueprint and a close tactic piece. However, the Australian fighter knows he can wear down Chimaev’s wrestling and respond with a better strike. He believes his distance lends itself to advocating for more refined strokes. Whittaker has already proven that he can perform in fast, striking fights against similarly fiery people Paulo Costa. The two met in the UFC 298 co-main event at the Honda Center in Anaheim and Whittaker has similar plans for Chimaev.

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