Robert Whittaker's Next UFC Opponent Has Been Announced

Despite only fighting Darren Till a week ago, Robert Whittaker has already signed off on his next bout.

According to ESPN, the Aussie will go toe-to-toe with the division's danger man Jared Cannonier at UFC 254 on October 25.

ESPN's Brett Okamoto tweeted: "Robert Whittaker vs. Jared Cannonier, UFC 254 on Oct. 24. Per UFC president Dana White. Gotta believe that will determine the next No. 1 contender. Prediction?"

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Former middleweight champ Whittaker came out on top in a technical, five-round scrap against Till on UFC Fight Island - a win which cemented his spot as the number one contender in the division.

But before a potential highly-anticipated, trans-Tasman rematch against reigning middleweight king Israel Adesanya, the man dubbed 'Bobby Knuckles' must first take out another contender for the title: Jared Cannonier.

After securing big TKO wins against UFC legend Anderson Silva and breakthrough star Jack Hermansson, Cannonier's name entered the conversation regarding future title shots.

And with Adesanya set to defend his belt against Brazilian Paulo Costa at UFC 253, it's understood the winner of this fight between Whittaker and Cannonier will go on to earn a shot at the middleweight title sometime in 2021.

Whittaker and Cannonier were initially booked to fight at UFC 248 in March before the Aussie later pulled out.

Now, though, it appears the two are finally set to meet in the octagon with a highly sought-after number one contender spot up for grabs.

Heavy-hitter Cannonier hasn't fought in just under a year. As for The Reaper, he's back in the winning circle and wants that UFC gold wrapped round his waist again.

Topics: 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