Robert Whittaker (fighter)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Robert Whittaker (fighter).

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

2008: Ronaldo Souza Unfinished Streak Ended

In April 2017, Robert Whittaker became the first person since 2008 to finish Ronaldo Souza in a fight.

March 2009: MMA Debut

On March 14, 2009, Robert Whittaker made his professional MMA debut against Chris Tallowin, winning by TKO in the first round.

2011: Cage Fighting Championships

From 2009 to 2011, Robert Whittaker competed in Cage Fighting Championships, achieving a 6-0 record, including a win over Ben Alloway.

December 2012: UFC Debut and TUF: The Smashes Win

On December 15, 2012, Robert Whittaker made his UFC debut at UFC on FX 6, also known as "The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes Finale", defeating Brad Scott via unanimous decision to win the welterweight tournament.

May 2013: Victory Over Colton Smith at UFC 160

On May 25, 2013, Robert Whittaker defeated Colton Smith by TKO in the third round at UFC 160.

June 2014: Victory Over Mike Rhodes

On June 28, 2014, Robert Whittaker defeated Mike Rhodes via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 43.

November 2014: Victory Over Clint Hester

On November 8, 2014, Robert Whittaker faced Clint Hester in a middleweight bout at UFC Fight Night 55 and won via TKO in the second round, earning his first Fight of the Night bonus award.

May 2015: Knockout Victory Over Brad Tavares

On May 10, 2015, Robert Whittaker defeated Brad Tavares by knockout in the first round at UFC Fight Night 65, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus award.

November 2015: Victory over Uriah Hall

On November 15, 2015, Robert Whittaker defeated Uriah Hall by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28) at UFC 193 after Michael Bisping pulled out of the fight due to an elbow injury.

April 2016: Unanimous Decision Victory Over Rafael Natal

On April 23, 2016, Robert Whittaker won a unanimous decision against Rafael Natal at UFC 197.

November 2016: TKO Victory Over Derek Brunson

On November 27, 2016, Robert Whittaker defeated Derek Brunson via first-round TKO at UFC Fight Night 101, earning the Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonus awards.

April 2017: TKO Victory Over Ronaldo Souza

On April 15, 2017, Robert Whittaker defeated Ronaldo Souza by second-round TKO at UFC on Fox 24, becoming the first person to finish Souza since 2008. This victory also earned Whittaker his third Performance of the Night bonus award.

May 2017: Gold Medal at Australian National Wrestling Championships

In May 2017, Robert Whittaker returned to the wrestling mat at the Australian National Wrestling Championships and won the gold medal in the 97 kg division.

July 2017: Interim Middleweight Champion

On July 8, 2017, Robert Whittaker defeated Yoel Romero by unanimous decision at UFC 213 to win the interim middleweight title, becoming the first Australian and first New Zealand-born fighter to hold a UFC title. This win also earned him the Fight of the Night bonus award.

December 2017: Promotion to Undisputed Champion

On December 7, 2017, Robert Whittaker was promoted to undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion after Georges St-Pierre vacated the title.

2017: UFC Middleweight Champion

In 2017, Robert Whittaker was promoted to undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion after Georges St-Pierre vacated the title.

June 2018: Rematch Victory Over Yoel Romero

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

July 2020: Victory over Darren Till

On July 26, 2020, Robert Whittaker defeated Darren Till via unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till.

October 2020: Victory over Jared Cannonier

On October 24, 2020, Robert Whittaker defeated Jared Cannonier via unanimous decision at UFC 254.

April 2021: Victory over Kelvin Gastelum

On April 17, 2021, Robert Whittaker defeated Kelvin Gastelum via unanimous decision at UFC on ESPN 22, earning the Fight of the Night award.

September 2022: Victory over Marvin Vettori

On September 3, 2022, Robert Whittaker defeated Marvin Vettori via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 209.

February 2024: Victory over Paulo Costa

On February 17, 2024, Robert Whittaker defeated Paulo Costa by unanimous decision at UFC 298 after surviving a head kick at the end of the first round.

June 2024: Victory over Ikram Aliskerov

On June 22, 2024, Robert Whittaker defeated Ikram Aliskerov by knockout in the first round at UFC on ABC 6, earning another Performance of the Night award after Khamzat Chimaev withdrew due to illness.