Whittaker: I hope Adesanya and Vettori beat each other asses

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker explained why he turned down an offer to have a rematch with Israel Adesanya on June 12 at UFC 263. Earlier it was announced that the latter will face Marvin Vettori in this event.

“I was offered this fight about an hour after the fight with Gastelum. I just couldn't do it physically. Not only do I have injuries after my fight, but I also need to fly home to Australia and spend two weeks there on mandatory self-isolation. I would need to assess my body condition and then prepare for June. It would be impossible.

"I can see what Izzy is trying to do. He is trying to get me to accept the fight injured, in a short time, despite all his chances against me. I really want this fight, my next fight will be a title fight. I will be happy to face the winner.

"I don't care who wins. To be honest, I hope they beat each other asses,” Whittaker said.