They've traded pleasantries outside the ring in the past, but it seems Robert Whittaker is genuinely open to going toe-to-toe with Paul Gallen inside it.
After some initial back-and-forth between the two, former UFC champion Whittaker now admits he's "got time" for a boxing bout with ex-rugby league player Gallen.
"I've certainly got the time if Gal wants to set that up," Whittaker told Fox Sports Australia.
"We can work something out, for sure. I've got the time now, could be a bit of fun.
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"I'm in the fighting business and it would be a decent payday, so why not? I've got time."
After dismantling fellow contender Kelvin Gastelum with relative ease, Whittaker looks destined for a shot at Israel Adesanya and the middleweight strap at some point this year.
Some pretty high-profile fans you've got there Bobby :eyes::heart_eyes:
But it was recently announced that Kiwi champ Adesanya will defend his belt against Marvin Vettori at UFC 263 in June.
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That being said, the man simply known as "Bobby Knuckles" seems happy to wait in the wings knowing that his time will come.
"If Vettori wants to have a crack at him first, be my guest," he said.
"I do know my next fight's for the title and I'm adamant about that."
So while he patiently waits for that title shot, what better way to kill the time than to step in and take on someone like Gallen?
The two Aussie sporting greats have traded barbs in the past with Gallen famously calling Whittaker out after his victory over MMA great Mark Hunt back in December.
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When passed the microphone during his post-fight interview, Gallen said: "What's next? Rob Whittaker.
"I watched you about a year ago in an interview and you were asked if you would fight me. He said 'yeah I would fight him but he wouldn't fight me' and you gave a condescending laugh.
"I'm here mate, I'm happy to meet you in here, but stop pricing yourself out of it.
"I've got respect for Rob - I know him reasonably well. But I'm just going to beat him.
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"I'll beat him like I beat Mark (Hunt), I'm going to train hard, prepare for it, have a game plan, get in there and smash him."
This drew a response from Whittaker, who later came out and said he'd "love" to throw hands with Gallen inside the ring.
Former Cronulla Sharks and New South Wales Blues captain Gallen recently made light work of world champion boxer Lucas Browne, knocking him out in the very first round.
The flawless performance from the 39-year-old had many fans wondering who was next on his hit list with names like Sonny Bill Williams, Justis Huni and even Jake Paul being floated around.
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Whittaker's name was also mentioned and it appears that call has now been answered.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@ufcanzTopics: nrl news, Boxing News, Robert Whittaker, Paul Gallen, Boxing, Rugby League, nrl, UFC, Australia, MMA, Israel Adesanya