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 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

March 2009: MMA Pro Debut

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

December 2012: UFC Debut and Ultimate Fighter 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", where he defeated Brad Scott by unanimous decision to win the welterweight tournament, becoming the first winner of The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes.

May 2013: UFC 160 Victory

On May 25, 2013, Robert Whittaker faced Colton Smith at UFC 160 and won the fight by TKO in the third round.

June 2014: Victory at UFC Fight Night 43

On June 28, 2014, Robert Whittaker faced Mike Rhodes at UFC Fight Night 43 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

November 2014: UFC Fight Night 55 Victory and Bonus Award

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

May 2015: UFC Fight Night 65 Win and Performance Bonus

On May 10, 2015, Robert Whittaker faced Brad Tavares at UFC Fight Night 65 and won the fight via knockout in the first round, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus award.

November 2015: UFC 193 Win

In November 2015, Robert Whittaker was initially scheduled to face Michael Bisping at UFC 193. However, after Bisping withdrew, Whittaker faced Uriah Hall and won via unanimous decision.

April 2016: UFC 197 Victory

On April 23, 2016, Robert Whittaker faced Rafael Natal at UFC 197 and secured a victory via unanimous decision after a back-and-forth fight.

November 2016: UFC Fight Night 101 Victory and Bonus Awards

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

April 2017: UFC on Fox 24 Victory and Performance Bonus

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

May 2017: Australian National Wrestling Championship

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

July 2017: Interim Middleweight Title Win at UFC 213

On July 8, 2017, Robert Whittaker fought Yoel Romero for the interim middleweight title at UFC 213, winning by unanimous decision and becoming the first Australian and first New Zealand-born fighter to hold a UFC title. This win earned him the Fight of the Night bonus award. He subsequently missed the remainder of 2017 due to a knee injury.

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 became the undisputed UFC Middleweight Champion after Georges St-Pierre vacated the title.

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.

July 2020: Victory Against Darren Till

On July 26, 2020, Robert Whittaker faced Darren Till at UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Till and won the fight via unanimous decision.

October 2020: UFC 254 Victory Over Cannonier

On October 24, 2020, Robert Whittaker faced Jared Cannonier at UFC 254 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

April 2021: UFC on ESPN 22 Victory and Fight of the Night Award

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

September 2022: Victory Against Vettori at UFC Fight Night 209

On September 3, 2022, Robert Whittaker faced Marvin Vettori at UFC Fight Night 209 and won the fight via unanimous decision.

February 2024: Victory Against Paulo Costa at UFC 298

On February 17, 2024, Robert Whittaker faced Paulo Costa at UFC 298. After surviving a head kick in the first round, Whittaker rebounded and won the bout by unanimous decision.

June 2024: Victory Against Aliskerov at UFC on ABC 6

On June 22, 2024, Robert Whittaker was originally scheduled to face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC on ABC 6, but Chimaev withdrew due to illness and was replaced by Ikram Aliskerov. Whittaker defeated Aliskerov by knockout in the first round and earned another Performance of the Night award.