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

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 26, 2025

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

Robert Whittaker is an Australian mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's Middleweight division. A former UFC Middleweight Champion, he was the first Australian to hold a UFC title. As of February 4, 2025, he is ranked #5 in the UFC middleweight rankings, highlighting his continued presence as a top contender in the division.

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 loss to Hoon Kim at Legend Fighting Championships 6 in Cotai, Macau, via submission in the first round.

August 2013: Loss at UFC Fight Night 27

On August 28, 2013, Robert Whittaker faced Court McGee at UFC Fight Night 27 and lost the fight via split decision.

December 2013: Fight Cancellation

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

February 2014: Loss to Stephen Thompson at UFC 170

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

January 2018: Serious Condition Due to Staph Infection

On January 20, 2018, Dana White confirmed that Robert Whittaker was in serious condition after he was not properly treated for a staph infection in his stomach.

February 2018: UFC 221 Withdrawal

Robert Whittaker was slated for his first title defense at UFC 221 on February 10, 2018, against Luke Rockhold, but he pulled out due to an undisclosed injury and was replaced by Yoel Romero for the interim middleweight championship.

April 2018: Commonwealth Games Withdrawal

In April 2018, Robert Whittaker was forced to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games less than three weeks from the event to avoid risking his UFC championship title due to concerns about potential injuries affecting his UFC 225 fight against Yoel Romero on June 9, 2018.

June 2018: Victory Against Romero at UFC 225

On June 9, 2018, Robert Whittaker won against Yoel Romero at UFC 225 by split decision in a non-title catchweight bout after Romero missed weight. Whittaker received a $100,000 bonus and the fight earned 'Fight of The Night' honors.

November 2018: Title Defence Announcement and Withdrawal

On November 2, 2018, Robert Whittaker's middleweight title defense against Kelvin Gastelum was announced, but Whittaker pulled out of the event due to an abdominal hernia and a twisted and collapsed bowel, requiring emergency surgery.

October 2019: Loss to Adesanya at UFC 243

On October 6, 2019, Robert Whittaker faced Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 and lost the bout and the championship via second-round knockout.

January 2020: Withdrawal from Cannonier Fight

On January 15, 2020, it was announced that Robert Whittaker pulled out of his scheduled fight against Jared Cannonier at UFC 248 for undisclosed reasons.

April 2020: Burnout Revelation

In late April 2020, Robert Whittaker revealed that he withdrew from the bout against Jared Cannonier, scheduled for March 2020, and training altogether due to burnout.

February 2022: Loss to Adesanya at UFC 271

On February 12, 2022, Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya had a rematch for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 271, where Whittaker lost the bout via unanimous decision.

June 2022: Initial Vettori Fight Cancellation

Robert Whittaker was initially scheduled to face Marvin Vettori on June 11, 2022, at UFC 275, but he withdrew for undisclosed reasons.

February 2023: Costa Fight Disputed

Robert Whittaker was scheduled to face Paulo Costa on February 12, 2023, at UFC 284; however, Costa disputed the official announcement, stating he never signed a contract, and the fight did not take place.

July 2023: Loss to du Plessis at UFC 290

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

October 2024: Loss to Chimaev at UFC 308

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