Robert Whittaker is stepping into the Octagon at UFC Fight Night 298 on Feb. 6 from Afterpay Arena, but getting an opponent for his hometown return was a serious battle. Whittaker, a former middleweight champion with a 27-9 MMA record and 18-7 UFC run, is set to face Bogdan Guskov (18-4-1 MMA, 4-2-1 UFC) in the co-main event, but it took a lot of scrambling to land that fight.
The “Reaper” Was Ready, Nobody Else Was
Whittaker has been champing at the bit to fight in Sydney again. It’s been a minute, too. The last time he fought in front of his home crowd was back in 2014 when he finished Clint Hester. You can feel his excitement just listening to him. On his MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker said, “I’ve climbed every mountain. I’ve done a lot of stuff, had a lot of battles and wars, and now I’m coming back to Sydney, older, more mature, heavier, but just as sharp. I can’t wait to get in there.” But here’s the kicker: the UFC had to go through multiple names before Guskov finally stepped up. Whittaker didn’t mince words about it, giving props to Guskov because “Everyone was either tied up or had excuses why they couldn’t do it, yada yada yada. We got to where we are. Someone took the fight, flying all the way to Sydney to do it. It’s going to be great.” It tells you everything you need to know about Whittaker’s reputation when fighters are lining up to *not* face him.
Guskov’s Light Heavyweight Threat Is Real
So, while others dodged the call, Guskov answered, and he’s no easy out. Whittaker himself is keenly aware of the danger coming his way. “Bogdan’s a dangerous guy. He’s tall. He’s rangy. He’s got light heavyweight power. If he gets a shot on me, it’s going to hurt.” That’s a serious acknowledgment coming from a former champ. He went on to explain, “If light heavyweights hit you, big tall guys, 6’3″ guys that weigh 110 kilos, it’s going to hurt.” So, what’s the game plan against that kind of power? Whittaker keeps it simple, because sometimes simple is best: “hit and don’t get hit. Keep it very simple. It’s got to be fun, man.” Remember, Whittaker is coming off a successful light heavyweight debut himself, where he secured a third-round TKO against Nikita Krylov at UFC 329 in July. He hasn’t fought in Australia since dropping his UFC middleweight title to Israel Adesanya in October 2019.
What’s Next for the Reaper?
This Feb. 6 clash in Sydney is more than just a fight, it’s a statement. Whittaker wants to prove he’s still a force, especially back in his old stomping grounds. Guskov is flying all the way to Sydney, knowing full well what he’s up against, and he’s got the power to make it a wild night. You know Whittaker is bringing that sharp, mature, heavier version of himself to the cage, and everyone will be watching to see if he can navigate Guskov’s light heavyweight power. Get ready, because this co-main event promises fireworks.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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