UFC interim middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has qualified to represent Australia in wrestling at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Whittaker earned the right to fight for a gold medal in April by winning at the Australian wrestling trials on Saturday. That followed his win at the Australian Wrestling Championships in May in the 97 kilogram division.
But a UFC middleweight world title fight could get in the way. Whittaker looks likely to headline UFC 221 in Perth next February although it is unclear who he would face at the event, the company’s debut in Western Australia.
Canadian legend Georges St-Pierre may not be ready in time to fight in Perth — or willing to fight there rather than in North America — but is next in line given a fight with Whittaker would unify the middleweight belts.
Kevin Gastelum, who knocked out Michael Bisping at UFC Fight Night Shanghai on Saturday night (AEDT), is also a candidate after calling out Whittaker at the post-fight press conference.
“I heard Robert Whittaker needs a main event opponent over in Australia for February and I’m up for the challenge.” Gastelum said.
“You guys say I beat up all the elderly, and Robert Whittaker is definitely not elderly. He’s probably my age. So I am up for that challenge.
“‘GSP’ said it himself, anything can happen in the sport of MMA.
“I feel like Robert Whittaker and I should be next. We’re two young guys; we haven’t even hit our prime yet. I just beat the guy who was the guy, so I feel I should be next.”
There would only be a six-week turnaround between Whittaker appearing at UFC 221 and at the Commonwealth Games — but he kept the door open for the latter in an interview in early November.
“It’s a chance of happening, definitely,” he said.
“A lot will depend on timing — and my first commitment is always to the UFC — but if there’s a possibility of things lining up then I’d like to get in and give it a dig.
“I find the (Commonwealth Games tilt) is a great way for me to keep sharp and keep my competition fitness up.
“So if I haven’t got a fight locked in or confirmed, and I qualify … yeah, I’m definitely going to have a go.”
* foxsports
