Robert Whittaker Set To Take On Paulo Costa In UFC Fight Night Headliner

Dana White and the UFC matchmakers are on the brink of finalising a deal which could see Robert Whittaker go face-to-face with Paulo Costa.

According to ESPN, the Aussie former middleweight champion is set to headline UFC Fight Night on April 17.

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Whittaker has been in formidable form inside the octagon following his title fight defeat to 185-pound rival Israel Adesanya back in 2019.

In July of last year he went to war with middleweight newcomer Darren Till in one of the most technical fights of the year.

Then just three months later he disposed of division contender Jared Cannonier with ease.

Whittaker's performances had many fight fans calling for him to get a title shot and rematch against Adesanya.

But with the New Zealander's subsequent move up to the light heavyweight division, the idea of another trans-Tasman clash was put on hold.

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In the mean time, it seems the UFC has lined up a pretty worthy opponent for Whittaker - and he comes in the form of a physical specimen by the name of Paulo Costa.

The Brazilian fell agonisingly short of clinching UFC gold when he was dismantled by Adesanya in what's widely regarded as one of the most dominant displays by a champion in mixed martial arts history.

Costa will be looking to come back with a bang in his return, but unfortunately for him that could be a tough ask against someone of Whittaker's calibre.

This isn't the first time the Aussie has gone toe-to-toe with one of scariest men in the UFC.

Just remember, this is the bloke that defended his middleweight crown against a shredded Yoel Romero - twice!

UFC president White hasn't formerly announced the fight yet, but if the rumours are true we should expect fireworks come April.

Topics: Robert Whittaker, UFC News, UFC, Australia, MMA, Dana White, Israel Adesanya, UFC Fight Night

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