Challenges in the Life of Robert Whittaker (fighter) in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Robert Whittaker (fighter). A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Robert Whittaker is an Australian professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Middleweight division. He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion and the first Australian to win a UFC championship. As of February 4, 2025, he is ranked #5 in the UFC middleweight rankings. Whittaker is known for his striking and grappling skills, and his competitive spirit.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

October 2011: First MMA Loss

On October 30, 2011, Robert Whittaker suffered his first professional MMA loss to Hoon Kim at Legend Fighting Championships 6 in Cotai, Macau, losing via submission in the first round.

August 2013: Loss to Court McGee

On August 28, 2013, Robert Whittaker lost to Court McGee via split decision at UFC Fight Night 27.

December 2013: Fight Cancellation

In December 2013, Robert Whittaker's scheduled fight against Brian Melancon at UFC Fight Night 33 was canceled after Melancon pulled out due to injury and subsequently retired.

February 2014: Loss to Stephen Thompson

On February 22, 2014, Robert Whittaker faced Stephen Thompson at UFC 170 and lost via TKO in the first round.

January 2018: Whittaker's Health Scare

On January 13, 2018, it was reported that Robert Whittaker had pulled out of UFC 221 due to an undisclosed injury. On January 20, 2018, Dana White confirmed that Whittaker was in serious condition after being improperly treated for a staph infection in his stomach.

February 2018: Pulled Out of UFC 221

Robert Whittaker was slated for his first title defence at UFC 221 against Luke Rockhold on February 10, 2018, but pulled out due to an undisclosed injury.

April 2018: Commonwealth Games Withdrawal

In April 2018, Robert Whittaker was forced to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games in order not to risk being stripped of his UFC championship title.

June 2018: UFC 225 against Yoel Romero

In June 2018, Whittaker was concerned about an injury which would render him unable to compete for the middleweight championship at UFC 225 against Yoel Romero.

November 2018: Emergency Surgery

On November 2, 2018, it was announced that Robert Whittaker's next middleweight title defense would be against Kelvin Gastelum in February at UFC 234. However, Whittaker pulled out of the event a few hours beforehand after he was forced to undergo emergency dual surgery immediately, due to an abdominal hernia of the intestine and a twisted and collapsed bowel.

October 2019: Loss of Middleweight Championship

On October 6, 2019, Robert Whittaker lost the UFC Middleweight Championship to Israel Adesanya via second-round knockout at UFC 243.

January 2020: Withdrawal from Jared Cannonier Fight

On January 15, 2020, Robert Whittaker withdrew from his scheduled fight against Jared Cannonier at UFC 248 for undisclosed reasons.

March 2020: Scheduled Fight Cancellation

Robert Whittaker was scheduled to face Jared Cannonier on March 7, 2020, at UFC 248, but he pulled out of the bout for undisclosed reasons.

April 2020: Burnout Revelation

In late April 2020, Robert Whittaker revealed in an interview that he withdrew from the bout and training altogether due to burnout.

February 2022: Loss to Israel Adesanya

On February 12, 2022, Robert Whittaker lost to Israel Adesanya via unanimous decision in a rematch for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 271.

June 2022: Whittaker Withdraws from Fight

In June 2022, Robert Whittaker withdrew from his scheduled fight against Marvin Vettori at UFC 275 for undisclosed reasons.

July 2023: Loss to Dricus du Plessis

On July 8, 2023, Robert Whittaker lost to Dricus du Plessis via technical knockout in the second round at UFC 290 in a UFC Middleweight title eliminator fight.

October 2024: Loss to Khamzat Chimaev

On October 26, 2024, Robert Whittaker lost to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 via a face-crank submission in the first round, resulting in a dislocated jaw.