At a historic UFC gala, for the first time on French soil, Robert Whittaker made sure to re-enter the winner's column after a convincing victory over Italy's Marvin Vettori, ranked third in the world.

The Australian played his last match in February this year, losing the title match against reigning champion Israel Adesanya.

Now he was back to mix himself into the title discussion once again.

After an even first round against Vettori, Whittaker took over more and more and the class difference became clear.

"The Reaper" won via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).

- We got to know each other a little too long in the first round, it was a slower start than I would have liked, but after I figured out the distance and felt that I was in control, I started working, says Whittaker to SVT Sport.

"The bakeries have tormented me"

As the 31-year-old has lost to current champion Adesanya twice, the road back to another title fight could be long.

At the same time, he has proven too good for the rest of the weight class.

Last loss to anyone other than Adesanya came in 2014.

He has now cemented his status as second in the world rankings.

And he's hungrier than ever—in more ways than one.

- First, I intend to take revenge on some bakeries that have tormented me all week, haha.

There are rumors of a gala back home in Australia and that feels like the next step for me.

I still want the championship belt and I'm going to crush whoever they put in front of me until I get there.

In the main match at the gala, home hope Ciryl Gane won over Whittaker's compatriot Tai Tuivasa in the heavyweight class.

MORE MMA: Watch the crazy UFC knockout - here he lashes out at the champion

Javascript is disabled

Javascript must be enabled to play video

Read more about browser support

Watch the crazy UFC knock - roared against the champion