Robert Whittaker's bid to return to title contention will begin with a matchup against surging American Jared Cannonier in Las Vegas and he could be joined on the card by middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The UFC has confirmed Whittaker (20-5) will make his first appearance since losing the belt to the Nigerian-born Kiwi against Cannonier (13-4) at UFC 248 on March 7 (March 8 NZ time). Whittaker was reportedly eying a date with Darren Till in London following the Englishman's victory over Kelvin Gastelum last month. ASANKA RATNAYAKE/GETTY IMAGES Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has been linked with a showdown against Yoel Romero. The main event for UFC 248 has yet to be announced, but a title showdown between Adesanya and Cuban contender Yoel Romero is rumoured to be the frontrunner.

Source: Stuff December 20, 2019 08:15 UTC