EXCLUSIVE: Robert Whittaker lifts lid on 'essential' break as UFC White House rumours linger
Updated . First published
Robert Whittaker knows he is about to enter the 'last leg of his career' in 2026.
But don't let an extended break from the UFC octagon fool you - the Australian star is more than ready to get back to his ferocious best and it could come at a historic event.
After back-to-back losses against Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder, the future of Australia's first-ever UFC champion was under a major cloud.
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Robert Whittaker after his loss to Reinier de Ridder. Zuffa LLC
The 35-year-old hasn't competed since July and has shifted away from gruelling training sessions and the gym, instead spending time with his ever-growing family.
In an interview with Wide World of Sports, the former middleweight king was adamant the break has only "re-lit the fire" inside him to compete at a high level again.
"This break has been essential for me," Whittaker said.
"I've gotten much closer to my family, it's a demanding sport that's full of sacrifices. I've been doing it for a long time and I didn't realise how much of my head was in the game.
"To be able to take a step away and be there for my wife during the birth and be part of the family over Christmas and stuff like that filled my heart.
"It has re-lit the fire, energy and drive that I need to rip in for this last leg of my career."
Robert Whittaker poses with his family and Zeekr car. Supplied
While many hoped he would be featured on the UFC's return to Sydney this weekend, Whittaker won't be competing inside the cage - but he will be in attendance.
He revealed he will meet with UFC officials to lock in his next bout, which could possibly come on the White House card that is expected to happen in the middle of the year.
"I'd certainly give that a go - why not? It's a historic moment and I'm always happy to take those sorts of fights and June is the rough timeframe anyway," he said.
"I'm seeing the UFC this week and I'm gonna give them a hard date of June, that's when I'm good to go. Opponents and everything else we will wait and see."
Whittaker (26-9) remains one of the most popular fighters in the UFC, with his no-nonsense approach in the octagon matched by a larrikin personality outside of it.
But with time winding down on his tremendous career, the Auckland-born striker has given the "perfect world" situation for how he bows out from the brutal sport.
"I'm definitely taking it one fight at a time," Whittaker said.
Robert Whittaker. Zuffa LLC
"The last few fights have been a bit iffy for me and the camps leading into them too.
"I'm feeling refreshed and re-energised about the work I'm gonna put forward this year.
"I've got three fights left on my contract, so in a perfect world I will fight those out and I'll be happy to move onto something else."
Whittaker has been linked with a fight against the polarising Sean Strickland, but has also floated the potential to move from middleweight to light-heavyweight.
