Rob Whittaker says he's 'the best middleweight in the world', already chasing third UFC title fight with Israel Adesanya

Robert Whittaker may have missed out on reclaiming the UFC title from Israel Adesanya but the Australian slugger is still adamant he's the best middleweight in the world.

Whittaker lost his rematch with Adesanya at UFC 271 by unanimous decision and is 0-2 against the Nigerian-Kiwi, but the duo are clearly well ahead of the rest of the division.

And despite his failure to regain the title, Whittaker is more certain than ever that he's the best in the world.

«That's the key thing, how far I've come since the first fight but also how close the fight was and how it played out, how it felt when I was in there,» Whittaker said.

«I know I didn't get the W, but I left with the belief I'm the best middleweight in the world. That's not a bad consolation prize.

»It feels good, but you know what feels better? Is that I'm not going to let anyone catch me. Every fight I'm getting better, you can see that, I can feel my skill set expanding and the ability to use those skills every single fight.

«I don't have a ceiling, I can't see a ceiling, I don't know when I'll stop getting better, and I look forward to the future, I look forward to showing that.»

Whittaker was outpointed on the scorecards by Adesanya, who secured a close but unanimous decision victory.

It was certainly a much narrower result than their first meeting back in 2019, when Adesanya dominated Whittaker en route to a second round knockout victory.

Their first defeat nearly sent Whittaker into retirement. This time he's far more circumspect while trying to avoid dwelling on the loss.

«That stuff will keep you up at night. I'm good, I'm just enjoying my holiday. Holiday Rob is out, and he'll be out for a couple of weeks yet.

»Regular Rob has nothing on Holiday Rob, Holiday Rob is a