Robert Whittaker Plans to Shut Down ‘Too Short’ Criticism Ahead of Move to Light Heavyweight

Fan favorite middleweight contender Robert Whittaker talks about why he won't have problems fighting in the light heavyweight division.

Robert Whittaker Plans to Shut Down ‘Too Short’ Criticism Ahead of Move to Light Heavyweight

Robert Whittaker talks about a move to light heavyweight (via ESPN)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Robert Whittaker’s future in the UFC is beginning to take shape as the former middleweight champion outlines a prolonged absence and a potential divisional shift. The UFC veteran is targeting a return around mid-2026, a timeline that signals both recovery and re-assessment after a long run at 185 pounds. Along with the extended layoff, Whittaker is seriously evaluating a move to the light heavyweight division.

Whittaker has spent the majority of his UFC tenure competing at middleweight, where he captured the undisputed title and built a reputation as one of the division’s most reliable contenders. However, his recent performances have ended in setbacks. He suffered a submission loss to current champion Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308, followed by a split decision loss against rising contender Reinier de Ridder.

Now 35 years old, Whittaker finds himself firmly in the latter stage of his professional career. He has recently outlined plans that include a return around the middle of the 2026 season. As part of that planning, he has indicated that continuing at 185 pounds is unlikely. Whittaker has addressed any uncertainty by making it clear that a move to light heavyweight is a serious and realistic option.

I wanna get in there probably by mid-next year. I don’t know if it will be at middleweight. I’m a bigger guy now. But everyone’s gonna say, ‘Oh, he’s too short, too short.’ They’re taller than me here! Everyone’s got height on me anyway. Everyone’s got reach on me anyway. What’s the difference? I think I might as well just try something else, you know? I don’t know, thinking about playing with the idea, but that is next year Rob’s problem.

Robert Whittaker via MMA Arcade Podcast

Despite recent losses, the ‘Reaper’ remains one of the UFC’s most respected figures due to his demeanor. His legacy includes winning the interim middleweight title by defeating Yoel Romero in 2017. Later that year, he was promoted to undisputed champion after Georges St-Pierre vacated the belt. Whittaker has since acknowledged that reclaiming the championship is no longer an attainable goal.

In addition to evaluating a divisional change, the former champ has also explored opportunities outside of mixed martial arts. He has expressed interest in transitioning to boxing as a fresh competitive challenge. The potential move reflects his desire to remain active while testing himself in a different combat sport. No official bout has been announced, but the idea remains part of his long-term considerations.

The Australian veteran has also identified a potential matchup with controversial middleweight Sean Strickland as a fight he would like before retirement. Whether at light heavyweight or in a final return to middleweight, Robert Whittaker’s plans suggest a measured approach. His next decisions will determine how one of the UFC’s most admired champions closes his career.

Robert Whittaker wishes he had trained in Dagestan during his younger years

Dagestan has become synonymous with pressure grappling, positional control, and durability inside the cage. Fighters from the region have consistently translated their freestyle wrestling foundations into success in MMA at the highest level. Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev are prime examples, showcasing dominance in the Octagon through relentless pressure and strategic grappling mastery.

Robert Whittaker and Khabib Nurmagomedov
Robert Whittaker and Khabib Nurmagomedov (via Instagram)

Robert Whittaker has always maintained a high level of respect for Khabib Nurmagomedov and has praised him on multiple occasions. He recently highlighted that Dagestani fighters follow strict discipline, emphasizing mindset and structure as key factors in producing champions. However, when asked if he would ever train in Dagestan, Whittaker offered a cheeky response.

Not anymore, but when I was younger, yes.

Robert Whittaker via Fight Night MMA

For Robert Whittaker, the reflection arrives at a point when his career is winding down rather than beginning. He has spent most of his development within established MMA systems outside Eastern Europe and Australia. While no change to his current training base is planned, the remark underscores how evolving trends continue to shape fighters’ perspectives, even late into accomplished UFC careers.

Also Read: