Adesanya-Whittaker rematch 'makes the most sense'

Robert Whittaker's impressive victory over Jared Cannonier has paved the way for a rematch against middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, according to Dana White.

Whittaker triumphed via unanimous decision in Saturday's co-main event at UFC 254, using his jab effectively to improve his record to 22-5.

The Australian has now won twice since losing the belt to Adesanya in 2019 – he also outpointed Darren Till back in July – but could get a shot at regaining it next.

White was impressed with the performance against Cannonier, so another meeting with Adesanya "makes sense".

"It's very appealing to me. It's a fight that make sense right now," White told the media after the UFC 254 event.

"Adesanya has a lot of options, but the fight that makes the most sense is Whittaker.

"I thought Cannonier was going to be a much tougher challenge for him. He looked good, so the Adesanya fight makes sense."

Adesanya, who claimed the belt with a second-round stoppage at UFC 243, had talked up a potential clash with Cannonier after beating Paulo Costa in September.

For your entertainment! These two left it all in the Octagon. #UFC254 pic.twitter.com/Od1oOdY3gq

— UFC (@ufc) October 24, 2020

As for Whittaker, his main focus is on celebrating Christmas ahead of a new arrival to the family.

However, he made clear his desire to face Adesanya again "one day", promising that he has a "couple of tricks" to help avenge the previous loss.

"He [Adesanya] is a tough fight, man. He's so good, and he only looked better in his last fight - and the fact he beat me once already," Whittaker said in his post-fight press conference.

"But I feel like I've a couple of tricks I can roll out, I can play it differently next time.

"I do want to fight him, one day. Whether it's in my career or in a parking lot someday. I feel like our paths will cross again.

"But I'm not worried about who I fight next. My whole mentality is you line them up, I'll knock them down. I'm pretty good at that."