Australia’s Robert Whittaker expects Dricus du Plessis to be the man he eventually wrestles the UFC middleweight title from – and potentially in a Sydney blockbuster next February.

Only days out from Australia’s latest UFC Pay-Per-View showdown, Whittaker has confirmed “whispers” the company is planning a huge return to the Harbour City next summer as part of a $16 million NSW Government deal.

Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, the fighter dubbed Bobby Knuckles also revealed he is backing South Africa’s du Plessis to retain his UFC middleweight crown against Israel Adesanya this Sunday in Perth.

UFC 305 LIVE FROM PERTH: DU PLESSIS VS ADESANYA | SUN 18 AUG 12PM AEST | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the exclusive home of UFC Pay-Per-View.

Should that happen, DDP has already suggested his next defence will likely come from the winner of Whittaker’s next bout — set to take place against undefeated Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi this October.

While former champ Sean Strickland has stated several times he should be given next shot, and will sit out until that happens, du Plessis said this past week the American must now “wait a while” — with the winner of Whittaker versus Chimaev to jump in front of him.

Already back in camp and training for the Abu Dhabi event, Whittaker agrees.

Apart from being a genuine contender for the middleweight strap himself, the Aussie has also fought both Du Plessis and Adesanya – suffering a loss to the now champ last July, while also twice dropping title fights against the latter.

However, should the 33-year-old Sydneysider win against Chimaev next up, he says it would be “hard to argue against” him then getting a title shot ahead of Strickland, who has stated several times publicly he wants to sit out and wait for his own title bout.

Whittaker also spoke of whispers in Australian fight circles suggesting the UFC is in discussions to bring a major card back Down Under early next year.

“I’ve heard a few whispers of Sydney in February, yeah,” the former champ said. “But that’s all they are at the moment — whispers.”

‘NO WAY THAT’S TRUE’: UFC superstar Israel Adesanya branded a ‘fool’, accused of fudging stats

When it comes to picking a winner this Sunday, Whittaker is using both fighter’s most recent outings as his form guide.

Back in January, du Plessis won gold after battling through five round against then middleweight champ Strickland, who had himself taken the title from Adesanya in a shock upset win at UFC 293 in Sydney.

“And if Dricus pushes the same plan, uses the same style he had against Strickland, he has to be my pick to win,” Whittaker said.

“Although the closer the fight gets the tougher I’m finding it to split the guys.

“Adesanya’s had plenty of time now to reflect on that loss against Sean, and I’m sure he is doing everything in his power to counter that last result.”

So as for how Adesanya, the betting favourite, could potentially get up?

“For him to win, I think he keeps Dricus on the end of his jab, utilises his space and distance well,” Whittaker said

And as for a prediction on exactly the South African defends his title?

“If Dricus wins I think it goes five rounds,” Whittaker continued. “

“Either way actually I think it goes the distance.

“I just think if Dricus is winning, Adesanya is tricky enough to corner and hit that the fight will drag out.

“A bit like how Dricus versus Strickland went.

“Similarly, if Adesanya is (to win by) peppering him from the outside, using his distance well, Dricus is still tough enough to last.”

Whittaker, meanwhile, is now back in camp himself and making preparations to face Chimaev, the same man he was supposed to face on a Saudi Arabian Fight Night card back in June.

Following Chimaev’s late withdrawal due to an undisclosed injury however, Whittaker then went and brutally finished rising Russian fighter Ikram Aliskerov via first round KO.

Asked if UFC executives have confirmed this next fight is a title eliminator, Whittaker replied: “Not explicitly … but it would be hard to argue against if I win.”

Any clarity on why your opponent withdrew?

“Nah,” he continued. “And to be fair, I don’t care. It doesn’t matter.”

And as for any assurances that if Chimaev again withdraws late, and you again beat another replacement, it would be treated the same way as a win over the undefeated Chechnyan favourite?

“I only work for this company,” Whittaker said. “So I’m not in a position to be throwing my weight around or making demands.

“I mean, who would I think I am?

“But in saying that, my concerns have been pushed forward and they’ve also been reciprocated on (the UFC) end.

“I’ve always had a good working relationship with the UFC and I’m blessed to be part of this company.

“They do right by me.”

But as for what you would say to those fans upset by the do over, arguing that your highlight reel KO of Aliskerov, at least when it comes to that road back to the title, seemingly meant nought?

“Mate, this is what I do,” Whittaker grinned.

“Every fight I go into, I get better from it.

“So it’s all leading to me being the very best version of myself … (ensuring) that when I do fight for the title next, I take it back.”

Meanwhile, DDP is convinced Whittaker’s next fight doubles as a world title eliminator.

“The winner of Khamzat and Robert Whittaker is going to get the title shot,” he said last week.

“That’s going to happen.

“Strickland says he’s going to wait until he gets a title shot, (and) he’s going to wait for quite a while.

“In my opinion, he’s going to wait for a while.”

Speaking with SHAK MMA, Du Plessis added that while he has no preference regarding who he fights if successful against Adesanya, he thinks the UFC wants Chimaev to fight for the championship.

“If Whittaker beats Khamzat, a three-fight win streak, he’s 100-percent getting the title shot,” he said.

“(But) the UFC has been wanting to give Khamzat a title shot since his debut.

“Maybe if it’s a draw, Khamzat will still get the title shot in my opinion.”

Later, he added: “For me, it’s about the fight the fans want to see; which one is going to be the biggest fight; which fight is the one the fans think is going to be the best fight?

“I want to fight the best guy in the world every single time.

“Honestly, it makes no difference to me who steps in there.”