Former UFC champion acknowledges career difficulties and says title shot has become a 'dream'

Robert whittaker entering the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @robwhittakermma

One of the greatest fighters in the middleweight category (up to 83,9 kg) of the last ten years, Robert whittaker finds himself in a new phase of his career. Close to turning 35 and coming off two consecutive defeats, the Australian admitted in an interview with 'Submission Radio' this Monday (1) that the chances of returning to the top of the category in the short or medium term are low.

See too

UFC title contender claims Du Plessis self-sabotaged in Chimaev bout

UFC legend reacts to brutal knockout by Luke Rockhold: 'very ugly'

Amanda Nunes' coach indicates a possible date for the 'Lioness''s return, against Kayla Harrison

Despite not talking about retirement, Whittaker was candid in admitting that the setback suffered against Ridder's Reinier in the main fight of UFC Abu Dhabi kept him far from another run at the belt.

"The belt feels like a distant dream right now. After losing to RDR, it's another defeat, it takes me much further away from the title than I'd like... Right now, my trajectory has changed a bit. I still have a few fights ahead of me. I want to enjoy the journey, I want to enjoy the fights... I want my family to be a part of this... I'm not closing any doors, but I understand the work I have ahead of me," the fighter stated.

Robert whittaker says winning a UFC title is 'a pipe dream' at this point in his career

"The belt is like a pipe dream at the moment. After losing to RDR, it's another loss, it pushes me back much further than I want to be from the title...

Right now, my trajectory has kind… pic.twitter.com/DKgLHSHwJb

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 1, 2025

In addition to his split decision loss to the Dutchman in late July, Whittaker was also brutally dominated by Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 308. On that occasion, he was submitted in the first round with a choke and had his teeth damaged by the force of the blow. More recently, the Chechen won Dricus Du Plessis and became the new middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg).

Whittaker's teeth were pushed in after Chimaev struck him / Reproduction

PUBLICITY: