Robert Whittaker has a potential timeline in mind for his UFC return.
Whittaker was last seen in action at UFC Abu Dhabi in July 2025, where he dropped a closely contested split decision to Reinier de Ridder. The defeat marked back-to-back losses for “The Reaper”, following a brutal first-round submission to now-reigning middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October 2024.
The 35-year-old Australian appears to be navigating one of the toughest stretches of his career, having gone 3-4 in his last seven outings. The skid includes a second unsuccessful bid to reclaim the 185-pound title, ending in a unanimous decision loss to former champion Israel Adesanya in their rematch at UFC 271 in February 2022.
Despite spending over a decade as a staple of the middleweight division, a run highlighted by his championship reign, Robert Whittaker now believes his time at 185 pounds may be coming to an end as he eyes a move up in weight for the next phase of his career.
Robert Whittaker Aiming For June Return, Eyes UFC Light Heavyweight Switch
During a recent appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Robert Whittaker addressed his potential UFC return, revealing that he wants a longer training camp for his next outing as he looks to incorporate new elements into his game.
Definitely, I’m coming back in June,” Robert Whittaker said… I’m going to lock in, give myself a proper three months, three-four-ish months to work on some things — which I’ve been doing anyway, but I want to come into the next fight different, because I don’t know, people have been watching my style for too long. I think it’s time for a change.”
“The Reaper” further admitted that making the middleweight limit has become increasingly difficult in recent fights. Currently walking around at roughly 235 pounds, Whittaker is now seriously contemplating a move up to the light heavyweight division, where he believes a fresh set of challenges awaits him.
The last couple of cuts have been hard. I know the growing trend is, ‘Rob’s a small middleweight,’ but I’m just short with stumpy arms. I’m short for the division anyway, so there’s not much difference going up. They’re taller than me down in middleweight. I’m a big guy. People don’t realize how long it takes me to get down to the weight. … [I weigh] like, 235 [pounds].
“I feel like the division is open. I feel like there are some good fights to be had. I feel like there’s a lot of guys that I can — my skill set can prevail on. But like I said, wait and see. We’re going to have some conversations with some people this week and lock things in after… [I’m] 90 percent there.”
Moving up a weight class is nothing new for Robert Whittaker. He first entered the UFC in 2012 as a welterweight via The Ultimate Fighter, before making the jump to middleweight in 2014, a decision that ultimately paved the way for his rise to championship success.
Whittaker currently holds a 17-7 record in the UFC, highlighted by notable victories over Paulo Costa, Kelvin Gastelum, and Yoel Romero. He stands at 27-9 in his professional career overall.
