'Could be fun': Robert Whittaker teases $1.5 million Paul Gallen bout
UFC superstar Robert Whittaker is next in line for a title shot to the winner of Israel Adesanya and Marvin Vettori, but the Aussie has also welcomed a bout with former NRL star Paul Gallen in the meantime.
Middleweight No.1 contender Whittaker has swept all in his path upon securing another title shot following his loss to Adesanya 2019.
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Most recently, he put on a masterclass against Kelvin Gastelum and the UFC world was adamant he would headline the next middleweight title bout.
But after fans became enraged he had been overlooked for Vettori, Whittaker put to bed any fears that he had been overlooked.
The 30-year-old said following his recent bout and the extended trip back to Australia from the US, the fight against Adesanya in June was too soon.
But with rising contender Vettori now all but certain to fight Adesanya on the 12th of June at UFC 263, Whittaker has time before a title bout.
This led to Whittaker toying with the idea of fighting Gallen in a boxing bout for a hefty payday.
Gallen defeats Browne
Gallen is fresh off shocking the Australian boxing landscape.
The rugby league great's stocks as a fully fledged boxer rose even further after a stunning first round stoppage of former WBA heavyweight world champion Lucas Browne in Wollongong last week.
But following the fallout from the controversial bout, talks of a bout between Gallen and Whittaker have once again surfaced.
The former NRL star's team have previously stated their desire for a bout with the Aussie UFC star.
“I’ve certainly got the time if Gal wants to set that up,” Whittaker told Fox Sports, after taking notice of Gallen's victory.
“We can work something out, for sure. I’ve got the time now, could be a bit of fun.”
Whittaker added the crossover event was all part of his business.
“I’m in the fighting business and it would be a decent payday, so why not? I’ve got time," he added.
While questions remain on whether Whittaker would even be able to fight Gallen, considering he is contracted under the UFC, Whittaker's manager recently said the MMA fighter would be looking at a $1.5 million payday.
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