MMA News Bombshell: Whittaker Plans Exit, Topuria Calls Out Makhachev, and Nelson Sidelined

The MMA world never sleeps, and this week has delivered some serious curveballs that have fans buzzing. From retirement bombshells to championship callouts and unfortunate injuries, the fight game continues to evolve at breakneck speed.

Robert Whittaker Shocks Fans with Retirement Timeline

Former middleweight champion Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker has dropped a bombshell on the MMA community by revealing his retirement plans. The 33-year-old Australian standout, who has been a fixture in the UFC’s middleweight elite for years, suggested that his fighting career is entering its final chapter.

“I’m not going to be fighting until I’m 40,” Whittaker stated in a recent interview. “I’ve got a few good years left in me, but I’m looking at what comes next. I want to go out on my terms.”

Whittaker, who reclaimed his position as a top contender with impressive victories over Paulo Costa and Marvin Vettori after losing to Dricus Du Plessis, appears determined to make his final run at the title meaningful.

What This Means for the Middleweight Division

Whittaker’s eventual departure will create a significant void in the 185-pound division. Few fighters have maintained his level of excellence and professionalism. For perspective, let’s look at his remarkable UFC middleweight record:

Ilia Topuria Sets Sights on Islam Makhachev Super-Fight

Fresh off his stunning knockout of Alexander Volkanovski to claim the featherweight title, Ilia “El Matador” Topuria isn’t wasting time setting ambitious goals. The undefeated champion has publicly challenged lightweight king Islam Makhachev, calling for a champion vs. champion showdown that would surely break box office records.

“I want Islam next,” Topuria declared on social media. “Two undefeated champions. Let’s see who the best really is.”

This callout represents the growing trend of champions seeking double-title status, though Makhachev has yet to respond officially to Topuria’s challenge. The Russian champion has his hands full with potential lightweight contenders, including the winner of the upcoming Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint Denis bout.

Could This Super-Fight Actually Happen?

While fans are salivating at the prospect, several obstacles stand in the way. Topuria has yet to defend his featherweight crown, with contenders like Max Holloway and Brian Ortega waiting in the wings. The UFC typically prefers champions to clear out their divisions before pursuing second belts.

I’ve seen enough champion vs. champion fights fall through over the years to be skeptical, but Topuria’s star power and undefeated record might just give him the leverage needed to make this dream matchup a reality.

Gunnar Nelson Forced Out of Action with Injury

In less exciting news, veteran welterweight Gunnar Nelson has been sidelined with an undisclosed injury. The Icelandic grappling specialist was reportedly in talks for a summer return before the injury derailed his plans.

Nelson, known for his stoic demeanor and slick submission game, has been a fan favorite since joining the UFC roster in 2012. While details of the injury remain private, sources close to his camp suggest we might not see him back in action until late 2023.

“These setbacks are part of the game,” Nelson’s coach John Kavanagh shared. “Gunni is taking the recovery process seriously and will come back stronger.”

What’s Next for These MMA Stars?

The ever-evolving landscape of MMA means nothing is certain, but here’s what might be on the horizon:

• Robert Whittaker: Likely 2-3 more high-profile fights before hanging up the gloves, possibly including one final title shot
• Ilia Topuria: A featherweight title defense against Max Holloway seems most probable before any lightweight aspirations can materialize
• Gunnar Nelson: Recovery and rehabilitation before a potential return fight against a mid-tier welterweight to reestablish his position in the division

One thing’s for certain – the MMA world continues to deliver compelling storylines that keep us all on the edge of our seats. Whether you’re rooting for Whittaker to go out on top, excited about Topuria’s ambition, or hoping for Nelson’s speedy recovery, there’s never a dull moment in this sport we love.

What fight are you most looking forward to seeing in the coming months? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Source: Times of India