Learn more about Robert Whittaker's UFC history, fighter facts, and Q&A below.
Fighter Facts
- Pro since 2009
- Five wins by submission (3 RNC, 2 armbar), ten by knockout
- Six first round finishes
- Holds 2011 submission win over TUF Smashes teammate Ben Alloway
- Born in New Zealand but raised in Australia from a very early age
- Twelve fights at middleweight (11-1)
- Has won 12 of his last 13 and three in a row
UFC History
UFC Fight Night (4/17/21) Whittaker won a five round unanimous decision over Kelvin Gastelum
UFC 254 (10/24/20) Whittaker won a three round unanimous decision over Jared Cannonier
UFC on ESPN (7/26/20) Whittaker won a five round unanimous decision over Darren Till
UFC 243 (10/6/19) Whittaker was knocked out by Israel Adesanya at 3:33 of the second round in a fight for the UFC middleweight title, losing the title
UFC 225 (6/9/18) Whittaker won a five round split decision over Yoel Romero in a non-title fight (Romero missed weight – Whittaker retains title regardless of result)
UFC 213 (7/8/17) Whittaker won a five round unanimous decision over Yoel Romero to win the interim UFC middleweight championship
UFC on FOX (4/15/17) Whittaker stopped Ronaldo Souza via strikes at 3:28 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (11/27/16) Whittaker stopped Derek Brunson via strikes at 4:07 of the first round
UFC 197 (4/23/16) Whittaker won a three round unanimous decision over Rafael Natal
UFC 193 (11/15/15) Whittaker won a three round unanimous decision over Uriah Hall
UFC Fight Night (5/10/15) Whittaker knocked out Brad Tavares at :44 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (11/8/14) Whittaker stopped Clint Hester via strikes at 2:43 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (6/28/14) Whittaker won a three round unanimous decision over Mike Rhodes
UFC 170 (2/22/14) Whittaker was stopped by Stephen Thompson via strikes at 3:43 of the first round
UFC Fight Night (8/28/13) Whittaker lost a three round split decision to Court McGee
UFC 160 (5/25/13) Whittaker stopped Colton Smith via strikes at :41 of the third round
UFC on FX (12/15/12) Whittaker won a three round unanimous decision over Brad Scott to win the TUF Smashes welterweight title
The Ultimate Fighter, SMASHES
On episode 11 (Semifinals), Whittaker knocked out Xavier Lucas
On episode three (Quarterfinals), Whittaker knocked out Luke Newman in the first round
Q&A
TRAINING: Wake up, spend time with my wife and kids, then head out to a session -> come home, eat, rest, session -> eat, rest, session -> session, session -> Home, eat, sleep
When and why did you start training for fighting? I started fighting in ‘09. I’ve always loved competing in sports and I’ve always loved the thrill of the fight.
What ranks and titles have you held? I’ve been ranked high in Australian MMA and I hold the Super Fight Australia Welterweight belt. TUF Smashes welterweight winner
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? For me to fight in the UFC is the biggest honor and privilege in my fighting career. It is a way to provide for my family whilst doing the sport that I love most. It also allows me to show the world my fighting ability.
What was your job before you started fighting? I worked as an apprentice electrician for Railcorp.
Ranks in any martial arts styles: I have a black belt in Karate, a black belt in Hapkido, and a black belt in BJJ
Favorite grappling technique: Ground and Pound
Favorite Striking technique: The one that lands.
