Robert Whittaker Set For Title Shot After Dropping UFC Return Date

Robert Whittaker looks like he may have just let the cat out of the bag that he's next in line for a title shot.

The Aussie has announced that he'll be returning to the octagon in the new year.

In the cryptic Instagram post, Whittaker said: "11 weeks #AndNew @ufc @ufcanz."

Now, there's a lot to dissect here.

Firstly, the #AndNew would indicate that he's poised to take on current UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in a trans-Tasman rematch for the 185-pound strap.

How good.

Secondly, you could make the argument that tagging our good friends @ufcanz means the bout could be happening on Australian or New Zealand soil.

Again, how bloody good.

But who knows? It's all just speculation at this point.

The UFC themselves are yet to officially announce the fight, but it does seem like the most logical match-up to make right now if we do say so ourselves.

PA

Former champ Whittaker is currently riding a three-fight win streak and is in the form of his life having claimed the scalps of Kelvin Gastelum, Jared Cannonier and Darren Till.

A part from his defeat to Adesanya in Melbourne a few years back, the last time Whittaker lost was back in 2014 to Stephen Thompson while competing at welterweight.

Meanwhile, Adesanya is quickly emerged as one of the best mixed martial artists on the planet.

Having already conquered the middleweight division, it seemed only appropriate for the Nigerian-born Kiwi to move up and take on Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight belt.

On the night, Adesanya came up agonisingly short and suffered his first professional MMA loss at the hands of the Pole, but that minor blip doesn't take away from his sheer greatness.

Now, over two years since their first encounter, Whittaker and Adesnaya look set to lock horns once again

According to reports from MMA Fighting a few weeks back, the long-awaited rematch is being targeted for UFC 271 on February 12th, which does directly marry up to Whittaker's "11 weeks" Instagram post.

Whenever these two do finally dance again, it'll be sure to be a spectacle, that's for sure.

Topics: New Zealand, Robert Whittaker, UFC, Australia, MMA, Israel Adesanya

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry