Robert Whittaker Name-Drops UFC Middleweight’s Most Controversial Fighter For Next Outing Before Retirement

Ahead of retirement conversations, former champion Robert Whittaker reveals potential opponent for next outing in February.

Robert Whittaker Name-Drops UFC Middleweight’s Most Controversial Fighter For Next Outing Before Retirement

Robert Whittaker reveals next potential opponent (via Bloody Elbow)

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Fighters often look to seize opportunities that align with their careers. For some, it’s about championships, while for others, it’s about creating unforgettable matchups before the final chapter of their journey is written. While the middleweight division is filled with a mix of young, hungry fighters and seasoned veterans, one name that stands out is Robert Whittaker, who is in the latter stage of his career.

Once an unstoppable force in the middleweight division, Whittaker’s nine-fight win streak was derailed when Israel Adesanya knocked him out in their title fight at UFC 243. Now, at 34 years old, Whittaker has lost two fights in a row and is surrounded by talk of retirement. However, it does not look like ‘The Reaper’ wants to back down any time soon and has a particular opponent in mind for his next outing.

The opponent he has in mind is none other than Sean Strickland, one of the UFC’s most polarizing and controversial figures. Strickland’s name has long been tied to headlines for both his unpredictable antics outside the cage and his relentless pressure inside of it. Whittaker was recently seen on the MMArcade podcast and spoke about a variety of topics, including a potential return in February 2026.

I want to fight in Sydney next February. That’s when I want to fight next. I’d love to fight Strickland. I’ve been wanting that fight for a while. I think it’d be a good fight. He always brings people to cards. I don’t think he’ll come all the way here to Australia.

Robert Whittaker via MMArcade

Speaking on the idea, Whittaker revealed his intentions to fight in Sydney next February. The prospect of competing on home soil adds another layer of excitement, and his callout of Strickland demonstrated his desire to deliver a fight that would capture worldwide attention. He has been failing to convert his recent performancets, and a victory on home soil will undoubtedly be a boost for him.

Whittaker lost a split decision to Dutchman Reiner De Ridder in July 2025. However, he was sidelined for months before fighting RDR due to severe facial damage from fighting Khamzat Chimaev. The Chechen phenom submitted Whittaker at UFC 308 via a vicious face crank. Interestingly, ‘Bobby Knuckles’ had shown interest in fighting Strickland shortly after the devastating loss against Chimaev.

While Whittaker ponders his next opponent, he has made it clear that fighting for the title seems like an impossibility at this stage of his career. Fans in Sydney could be treated to a battle that blends technique with chaos. If this is indeed one of Whittaker’s last outings, it would be a fitting chapter in the storied career of one of Australia’s finest fighters.

Robert Whittaker bashes fans calling the UFC 319 main event “boring”

With so many stylistic contrasts at play, fans often debate whether specific performances should be considered exciting or underwhelming. This has become especially relevant in the aftermath of Khamzat Chimaev’s clash with Dricus du Plessis. Chimaev dismantled Du Plessis with his superior wrestling and won the 185-pound championship via unanimous decision (50-44, 50-44, 50-44).

Robert Whittaker weighs in on the UFC 319 main event
Robert Whittaker weighs in on the UFC 319 main event (via MMA Fighting, MMA Mania)

As the conversation around the fight unfolded, attention shifted toward how different perspectives shape the way fans interpret dominance inside the Octagon. Some may focus solely on explosive finishes, while others place more value on technical mastery and control. It’s within this backdrop that Robert Whittaker stepped in to provide his own view on what unfolded.

Anyone that says it’s a boring fight is a casual. If you’re a fan of the sport and you’re not fascinated by Chimaev’s ability to control someone as dogged as Dricus, who’s gotten out of things time and time again, who physically never gasses, super strong, has cardio for days, if you’re not fascinated by such one-sided domination, then you have to be a casual.

Robert Whittaker via MMArcade

By addressing the narrative surrounding that fight, Robert Whittaker highlighted a more profound truth about mixed martial arts: not every battle has to be a reckless brawl to hold significance. In this sense, Whittaker’s stance reinforces the importance of appreciating the sport for more than just its flashiest moments.

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