Robert Whittaker booked against top ranked opponent at UFC 284

Former champ Robert Whittaker is set to clash with heavy-hitting Paulo Costa at UFC 284. Photo: Jason da Silva / Kyle Terada – USA TODAY Sports

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker’s next octagon appearance will take place on his home turf in Perth, Australia. At UFC 284, on February 11, ”Bobby Knuckles” is set to clash with Brazil’s Paulo Costa in a three-round co-main event.

UFC officials announced the middleweight matchup on Thursday.

G'DAY AUSTRALIA! 🇦🇺@RobWhittakerMMA vs @BorrachinhaMMA is the first fight officially confirmed for #UFC284!

🛫🎟 Visit https://t.co/zdYvdmWAuj to register for pre-sale tickets, Travel Packages, and VIP Experiences!

[Bout subject to WA Combat Sports Commission approval] pic.twitter.com/HQ6xxeB0n3

— UFC_AUSNZ (@UFC_AUSNZ) October 20, 2022

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No. 1 ranked Robert Whittaker only lost to Adesanya at MW

No. 1 ranked Robert Whittaker last defeated Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision at UFC Paris in September.

At middleweight he has a 12-2 record overall, with his two losses coming against reigning UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

Read more: Robert Whittaker outclassed Marvin Vettori at UFC Paris

Paulo Costa defeated ex-UFC champion Luke Rockhold in a FOTY-candidate at UFC 278 in Salt Lake City. Before the fight in August, he had back-to-back losses, against Marvin Vettori and Adesanya.

The fight between Whittaker and Costa is the first bout officially announced for the upcoming Australian event.

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