Robert Whittaker defends UFC champ Israel Adesanya's recent performances: 'Winning is all that matters'

PARIS – Many have criticized UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya for his recent performances – but Robert Whittaker won’t.

Adesanya (23-1 MMA, 12-1 UFC) has gone the distance in his past three title defenses, including a close decision win over Whittaker at UFC 271 in February. Whittaker (24-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC), who’s come up short to Adesanya twice, was asked about Adesanya being dubbed a “boring” fighter and but said he can’t fault him as long as he’s getting his hand raised.

“I’m pretty sure he’s just paid to win,” Whittaker told MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight at UFC Fight Night 209. “You know, and that’s the most important thing whether it’s boring or not. You can have the most exciting fight of the night. If you lose, no one is talking about you tomorrow.

“As cold as it sounds, winning is all that matters. If I could just take someone down and hold them down until someone took them home, I would. Love my fans, but I would happily hug someone on the ground for 25 minutes if that gets me the W. That’s the sport we’re in.”

Whittaker has defeated every opponent at middleweight except for Adesanya. He shut down former title challenger Marvin Vettori this past Saturday, which leaves him in a bit of a quandary.

But “The Reaper” isn’t worried and is willing to knock off every contender until he gets another crack at the belt.