Robert Whittkaker is a former UFC middleweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/X @UFC_News
the future of Robert whittaker became a topic again after another tough defeat for the former UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg). At 34 years old, the Australian was defeated by Ridder's Reinier in the main fight of UFC Abu Dhabi, on July 26th, in a split decision after five intense rounds. His lackluster performance against the Dutchman, combined with his recent history of negative results, raised doubts even among the other names in the octagon.
Escalated to face Nassourdine Imavov No. UFC Paris and official reserve of the fight between Dricus Du Plessis e Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 319, Caio Borralho commented on Whittaker's current situation in an interview with The Schmo. For the Brazilian, the veteran's time at the top of the division appears to be coming to an end.
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“Honestly, I don’t believe in it anymore (return to the top 5). Robert whittaker He's a legend, I'm a huge fan of his and everything he's done in the sport. One of the greatest middleweights in history. But right now, it seems like he doesn't want to be there anymore. His face shows it, his body language says it. I don't think he wants to get into a five-round fight anymore. With all due respect, I'm a fan, but now is not his time. I believe he's very close to retirement," said Borralho.
Whittaker's Career
Whittaker has built one of the most respected legacies in the 84-pound division. Champion of the first season of The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes in 2012, the New Zealander, now a naturalized Australian, began his UFC career as a welterweight, but it was at middleweight that he reached his peak.
In July 2017, he won the interim belt by beating Yoel romero by unanimous decision at UFC 213 and was promoted to linear champion after the departure of Georges St-Pierre, at the end of the same year.
The Australian defended his title in a memorable rematch against Romero and, despite losing the belt to Israel adesanya in 2019, he remained one of the most feared names in the division. Between 2020 and 2021, he won Darren till, Jared Cannonier e Kelvin Gastelum, showing the capacity for reinvention.
In recent years, however, the physical and emotional wear and tear seems to have taken its toll. After losing the rematch against Adesanya in 2022, Whittaker was knocked out by Dricus Du Plessis No. UFC 290, finished by Chimaev in 2024 and now surpassed by De Ridder, one of the main promises of the new generation of middleweights.
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