“I have recently had a perspective change” – Robert Whittaker lauds Aljamain Sterling’s performance at UFC 273 after dismissing his first victory against Petr Yan

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3 years ago

UFC 243 WEIGH IN DAY, Robert Whittaker of Australia reacts after weighing in during the UFC 243 Weigh In Day at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Saturday, October 5, 2019. ACHTUNG: NUR REDAKTIONELLE NUTZUNG, KEINE ARCHIVIERUNG UND KEINE BUCHNUTZUNG MELBOURNE VIC AUSTRALIA PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMICHAELxDODGEx 20191005001424425115

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.

Robert Whittaker of Australia in action against Israel Adesanya of New Zealand during the middleweight title bout of the UFC 243 fight night in Melbourne on October 6, 2019. (Photo by ASANKA BRENDON RATNAYAKE / AFP) / — IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE – STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE — (Photo by ASANKA BRENDON RATNAYAKE/AFP via Getty Images)

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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Abhishek

Abhishek, a versatile sports journalist and also a dedicated martial arts aficionado. With an enduring devotion to boxing and a growing interest in MMA, he has developed a profound understanding of combat sports. His writing mirrors the intensity of the ring, aiming to land a punch that resonates with readers.