Robert Whittaker books his next fight in Saudi Arabia while, UFC confirms Perth PPV return

Aussie fan favourite Robert Whittaker has booked in his next fight while the UFC has confirmed a multiyear deal to keep fights in Australia, returning down under this year with plans for a huge PPV.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Israel Adesanya of Nigeria poses during the ceremonial weigh in for UFC 293 at Qudos Bank Arena on September 08, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images)

The UFC is heading back to Australia, with UFC 305 confirmed for RAC Arena on August 18.

Meanwhile Robert Whittaker will fight Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC’s first ever card in Saudi Arabia on June 22.

Whittaker is coming off a win over Paulo Costa at UFC 298 in February, and a win over the undefeated Chimaev would see ‘The Reaper’ book another middleweight world title fight.

UFC president Dana White announced the news on Instagram, with the company’s first trip to Saudi Arabia set to be a Fight Night card.

The UFC also announced it has signed a multiyear deal with the West Australian capital and will return for another Fight Night card.

“Perth, I am so excited to be coming back,” UFC CEO, Dana White, said. “After a record-breaking event in 2023, I can’t wait to bring another massive pay-per-view to Western Australia.

“Perth is a world class city with some of the most passionate fight fans I’ve ever seen – UFC 305 is going to be incredible.”

There had been talks of a middleweight world title fight main event for UFC 305 between champion Dricus du Plessis and former titleholder Israel Adesanya, although nothing has been confirmed.

Du Plessis and Adesanya were expected to fight last year, and the South African has already singled out Stylebender as his preferred opponent for his first title defence.

It’s unclear whether the winner of the Whittaker-Chimaev fight in Saudi Arabia could turn around and fight in Perth two months later, but would be perfectly placed to challenge for the belt if du Plessis-Adesanya gets made.

Alexander Volkanovski and Islam Makhachev headlined the last UFC card fought in Australia. Picture: Getty Images

The news comes as two of WA’s brightest prospects – Steve Erceg and Jack Della Maddalena – prepare to take over their respective divisions.

Still just three fights and nine months into his UFC career, Erceg takes on Alexandre Pantoja for the flyweight title in Rio de Janeiro in May.

Della Maddalena broke into the top five of the welterweight rankings following his stunning third round knockout of Gilbert Burns at UFC 299.

The 29-year-old had surgery on the broken arm he sustained during that fight, but says he wants to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov in a number one contender bout in Perth.

And, he thinks Erceg could appear on the card too.

“I reckon Erceg’s gonna spark him and take the world title,” Della Maddalena told this masthead. “I reckon he could grab the belt and turn around and defend it in Perth. That would be wild.

“Hopefully we can get (Rakhmonov) down to Australia and put on a title eliminator fight.

“Outside the champion, Shavkat’s the most dangerous guy in the division and I want to fight him now.

“In the whole UFC roster, he’s the boogeyman, he’s the one everyone thinks is the man. Everyone thinks he’s a future champion. And I think I can beat him.

Jack Della Maddalena is ready to take over the welterweight division. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“If I go in there and beat Shavkat, there’d be absolutely no questions and everyone would agree that I’m next in line.”

UFC 305 marks Perth’s third PPV card, and its second in as many years, following Alex Volkanovski’s narrow lightweight title fight defeat to Islam Makhachev at UFC 284.

“The return of UFC to Perth in 2024 is a major coup for Western Australia, following the roaring success of UFC 284 that injected millions into our economy last year,” said Premier Roger Cook.

“UFC has proven to be a huge drawcard with a dedicated fan base, and we expect to see thousands of out-of-state visitors travel to Perth to attend this blockbuster.”

UFC 305 will coincide with a Rugby Championship showdown between the Wallabies and Springboks at Optus Stadium in Perth the night before.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be heading back to Perth for two exciting UFC events over the next few years,” said UFC vice president of Australia and New Zealand, Peter Kloczko. “UFC in this region goes from strength to strength; from our amazing roster of talent to record-breaking events across the country, it’s only getting better.”

Originally published as Robert Whittaker books his next fight in Saudi Arabia while, UFC confirms Perth PPV return