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Robert Whittaker could headline double-title UFC card at ANZ Stadium or Bankwest Stadium

If Robert Whittaker can overcome Kelvin Gastelum on Sunday the path will be paved for a double-title UFC extravaganza at Bankwest or ANZ Stadium.

Kelvin Gastelum opens up on how his rough upbringing made him a 'born fighter'

Robert Whittaker is on the cusp of becoming the first Australian fighter to headline ANZ Stadium, with his agent already in talks for a Sydney superfight should he win at UFC 234 this Sunday.

Raised in a Sutherland Shire Housing Commission, Whittaker is looking to defend his UFC middleweight title for the first time an home soil this weekend — against American Kelvin Gastelum at Rod Laver Arena.

Should the Sydneysider win, The Daily Telegraph understands UFC president Dana White has already discussed the idea of him headlining at either ANZ Stadium, Homebush or the new Bankwest Stadium in Parramatta, which has a capacity of 30,000.

Whittaker will defend his title on home soil for the first time. Picture by Jay Town.
Whittaker will defend his title on home soil for the first time. Picture by Jay Town.

Better, the Sydney event could boast not one, but two local fighters in world title blockbusters — with Wollongong striker Alex Volkanovski, a former prop with the Warilla Gorillas, having skyrocketed to No. 4 in the UFC featherweight division.

While Whittaker himself refuses to look past Gastelum — “my superfight is this Sunday,” he said — the champion’s agent Titus Day is already in talks about his potential future.

Arriving into Melbourne with Whittaker on Wednesday morning, Day confirmed that should everything going to plan in Melbourne, he was keen to have the Mt Annan father-of-three next defend in his hometown.

“We want to bring Rob home,” Day said. “He’s a Sydney boy, lives and trains there … and he deserves to fight at home as the UFC champ.

“I’ve already talked to some people about ANZ Stadium, and why not? He’s sold out this weekend’s fight at Rod Laver in eight minutes.”

Whittaker could headline a card at ANZ Stadium. Picture by Jay Town.
Whittaker could headline a card at ANZ Stadium. Picture by Jay Town.

If Whittaker wins his 10th straight UFC bout on Sunday, his next defence will be against either Brazilian legend Anderson Silva or rising New Zealand phenomenon Israel Adesanya — a pair of undeniable drawcards who square off on the UFC 234 co-main.

If the timing is right, Volkanovski would also be a logical addition given the 30-year-old has not only gone undefeated in all six Octagon appearances, but is now the No. 4 challenger to Hawaiian champ Max Holloway.

A title fight, or at least an eliminator, are both options for the former bush footballer who upset American favourite Chad Mendes at UFC 232 in December.

Indeed, Gastelum gets his shot at Whittaker’s belt this Sunday as the No. 4 ranked middleweight.

Whittaker will fight in Melbourne this weekend. Picture by  Jay Town.
Whittaker will fight in Melbourne this weekend. Picture by Jay Town.

While Whittaker said he had given “no thought” to anything beyond Gastelum, it’s understood UFC officials are already planning around a host of scenarios — and are no stranger to Australian stadium events.

Back in November 2015, Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium hosted UFC 193, where a record crowd of 56,214 fans watched megastar Ronda Rousey dramatically lose her title to fellow American Holly Holm.

On the same card, Whittaker jagged an upset of his own, defeating then rising US star Uriah Hall via unanimous decision.

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Original URL: https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/robert-whittaker-could-headline-doubletitle-ufc-card-at-anz-stadium-or-bankwest-stadium/news-story/79d50574a19a22cfc05701917328e930