UFC middleweight title contender Robert Whittaker had a change regarding Aljamain Sterling’s legitimacy as the bantamweight champions
Aljamain Sterling’s performance at UFC 273 against former champion Petr Yan sure turned few heads, including the likes of Robert Whittaker and Tai Tuivasa. Many including the middleweight and heavyweight title-contenders questioned the legitimacy of Sterling’s claim at the gold after his first fight against Yan.
Bobby Knuckles and Bam Bam Tai were critical of Sterling’s status as the champion when they made an appearance on Fox Sports ahead of UFC 273. Robert said, “He didn’t win. Petr lost. Sterling didn’t win. Petr lost. Okay. This is how it happened. That is the undeniable truth of the matter. So you can’t go around saying I’m the champ, I’m the best in the world, cause you didn’t win the belt – you were given it. It’s different.”
“But, like I said before, there’s the business side of it and the longevity side of what he’s trying to do and he’s done that, I just think he’s taken it too far. It’s disrespectful.”
Tuivasa added by saying, “Like you said, I think he’s (Sterling) just really took it and is really running with it as long as he can. But I think on the weekend he can’t run anymore. Like you said before, he’s a good fighter but I just don’t think he’s as good as Petr.”
But Sterling would make them eat their words, much like many who thought it would be a cakewalk for Yan, with a career defining performance at UFC 273 that cemented his claim as the true champion.
Robert Whittaker hilariously reacts to Aljamain Sterling making him eat the humble pie with his performance at UFC 273
After the fight Sterling posted an image on Twitter with a mockery MCQ question set asking fans what led to them believing that it would be a lopsided contest against Petr Yan. He tagged Whittaker and Tai Tuivasa on the post suggesting their dismissal fueled his willpower to defy all odds.
He captioned the post
‘Whats up fellas? I need this back by the morning. Enjoy the night 😉 🍻
@robwhittakermma @bambamtuivasa‘
Whittaker replied to the post by confessing that he was humbled and he has developed a new-found respect for Sterling. He said,
‘Well isn’t there egg on my face…congrats mate, I have recently had a perspective change.’
Robert Whittaker was at his humble best, and he is amongst the many who have embraced Sterling’s championship status now.
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