Robert Whittaker set to defend title on home soil against Israel Adesanya

Robert Whittaker is finally set to defend his title at home after Israel Adesanya won the right to challenge him at UFC 236 - and the middleweight champion is brimming with confidence.

Robert Whittaker is set to finally defend his UFC title on Australian soil. Picture: Getty

Robert Whittaker rose from a plush leather lounge inside The Star on Sunday, having seen all he needed to.

Israel Adesanya?

“Hittable,” the UFC middleweight champ shrugged, having just watched Adesanya earn the right to become his second title defence with a gritty decision win over American Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 236.

“Doesn’t like getting hit either.”

And that fight fans, was just the start of it.

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For six or seven minutes, Whittaker then doubling down by telling the small pack of journalists watching the fights alongside him in Star sports bar how he not only wanted the rising New Zealand fight phenom in August, but in Sydney - even if “we have go down to a footy oval in Camden”.

And as for whether he thought Adesanya - undeniably, the most hyped rising star in the UFC right now - would have his famed confidence buoyed even further with a sixth straight Octagon win?

“His confidence, it’s a mask,” Whittaker deadpanned, the verbal equivalent of a hard right.

“I think he’s a guy with a lot of insecurities.

Robert Whittaker is set to finally defend his UFC title on Australian soil. Picture: Getty

“That’s not saying he’s not great at what he does. Israel’s very good at what he does.

“And he takes a lot of confidence from his experience.

“But you saw today when his back was against the wall ... when he’s not the guy pushing forward he doesn’t look as good.

“Gastelum had a significant height and reach (disadvantage) and was still able to get in and land significant shots on him ... head kicked him.

“And if Gastelum can do it I can do it.”

Better, the fight will be Down Under, with UFC president Dana White last night confirming the bout would be held in Australia.

Indeed, The Daily Telegraph can reveal that only minutes after Adesanya claimed the right to fight Whittaker next, the Sydneysider’s manager Titus Day was reaching out to UFC officials about staging the fight at either Bankwest Stadium, Parramatta or ANZ Stadium, Homebush.

Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium is also thought to be in the mix.

Adesanya with the interim belt. Picture: Getty

However, UFC officials are concerned about the risks that come with holding the event outdoors, meaning Qudos Bank Arena, Homebush is another option.

Despite twice having had to pull out of title fights on Australia soil, Whittaker is also ready to fight in his backyard.

“Third time’s a charm,” the champ grinned.

“Obviously, there are a lot of added pressures that come with fighting at home. But this is my home, this is my country. So definitely Sydney ... maybe in my backyard at Camden.”

Have you got room for an Octagon?

“Don’t need one, there are plenty of carparks,” he laughed. “Or we can go to down the footy oval, lay out some cones.

“With the global coverage it’s going to have, I honestly think this will be one of the biggest fights for Australian and New Zealand combat sports.”

And with that, Whittaker headed with his small entourage for the exit.

The champ having seen, and said, everything he needed to.

Originally published as Robert Whittaker set to defend title on home soil against Israel Adesanya