Robert Whittaker (17-4) is riding a six-fight win streak into this Saturday’s UFC on FOX 24: Johnson vs. Reis. In Kansas City he’ll meet Ronaldo Souza in a middleweight bout that promises ramifications for the UFC’s 185lb title landscape. A win for Jacare confirms his place firmly behind Yoel Romero as a top contender. A win for Whittaker solidifies his claim that he belongs among the elite of the division.
But for Whittaker and Souza - as well as Romero, Mousasi, and others - a potential UFC middleweight title shot will have to wait.