Since losing his UFC middleweight title to Israel Adesanya, fan-favorite Robert Whittaker has re-positioned himself for a rematch with the champ on the strength of a three-fight winning streak. Heading into what would become Whittaker’s latest victory, interim title challenger Kelvin Gastelum didn’t seem to pose any serious threats to Whittaker in terms of skills. But the simplicity of his approach, paired with his remarkable physical attributes, gave him a chance nonetheless.
Robert Whittaker navigated that danger in style. In one of the cleanest performances of his career, Whittaker developed reads on Gastelum’s offense, using the high guard to deflect the rear hand and jamming up the Kings MMA fighter’s entries with a beautiful jab.