Robert Whittaker wants Magomed Ankalaev next, dismisses Paulo Costa rematch: “I’d love to get in there with Ank. People keep throwing the name Costa out there, but I fought him before”

Robert Whittaker has publicly declared his intention to face Magomed Ankalaev next, effectively shutting down speculation about a potential rematch with Paulo Costa. Whittaker, a former UFC Middleweight Champion, expressed a strong desire to test himself against Ankalaev, a perennial contender in the division. The sentiment was clear: while Costa's name has been circulated, Whittaker's focus has shifted to a new, high-stakes challenge.

Ankalaev himself is coming off a dominant performance and has been a consistent force at the top of the middleweight rankings for some time. He possesses a formidable wrestling base and improving striking, making him a dangerous proposition for any opponent. Whittaker, meanwhile, remains one of the division's elite, known for his sharp striking, excellent fight IQ, and championship pedigree. A bout between these two would pit two of the middleweight division's most proven and dangerous fighters against each other, with significant implications for the title picture.

For Whittaker, this potential matchup represents a chance to rebound from recent setbacks and re-establish himself at the very top of the middleweight hierarchy. Ankalaev represents a different stylistic challenge than Costa, potentially offering a more technical and strategic battle. Securing a win against a fighter of Ankalaev's calibre would undoubtedly propel Whittaker back into immediate title contention, potentially setting up a future clash with the current champion. This move also highlights the depth of talent within the UFC's middleweight division, where compelling matchups are always in demand.

Fans will be watching closely to see if the UFC matchmakers can strike a deal for this highly anticipated clash. Both fighters have compelling arguments for a title shot, and their meeting could go a long way in defining the future landscape of the middleweight division.