Jack Hermansson wants top-ranked opponents, targets Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa

Jack Hermansson is aiming high following his most recent victory at UFC Fight Night 188.

The middleweight contender is targeting bouts with top-five opposition following his decision win over Edmen Shahbazyan on Saturday in Las Vegas. Hermansson (22-6 MMA, 9-4 UFC) out-grappled Shahbazyan (11-2 MMA, 4-2 UFC) to win 29-27 on all three judges’ scorecards.

Now back on the win column, Hermansson is looking to test himself against the upper-echelon of the division, and he’s got some names in mind.

“I want to be fighting guys like Robert Whittaker, Paulo Costa, the winner of Brunson and Till could be a potential fight, so yeah, those guys,” Hermansson told reporters at the UFC Fight Night 188 post-fight news conference. “It depends when I have a good opponent, but I want one more fight this year for sure. If any of the big guys are ready for me this year, I’m up for it.”

With the win on Saturday, Hermansson bounced back from his loss to Marvin Vettori back December. The 32-year-old is 6-2 in his past eight trips to the octagon. Hermansson was supposed to fight Shahbazyan earlier in May but had the fight postponed two weeks due to a COVID-19 infection.

Hermansson isn’t sure if his performance was affected by COVID-19, but he certainly didn’t feel 100 percent in the octagon. “The Joker” is glad he got the victory under the circumstances.

“I’m really happy I got the victory, especially after having COVID and stuff. I didn’t know how my body was going to react out there.” Hermansson said. “I wasn’t happy with the first round of the fight. I couldn’t find my timing or anything like that, but as the fight went, I managed to change my approach and get the fight to the ground and do what I do best.”