He said further, "I feel really privileged to have that Maori blood and link to my past. [54], Whittaker fought for the interim middleweight title against Yoel Romero on 8 July 2017 at UFC 213, after Michael Bisping announced a nagging knee injury which would go on to keep him on the sidelines for several months. Whittaker was originally slated to fight Paulo Costa at tonight’s event, but the Brazilian was forced to withdraw from the contest due to a severe case of the flu. [33] He lost the fight via TKO in the first round. Those aren’t gorilla arms. [11] A professional MMA competitor since 2009, Whittaker was a contestant on the first series of The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes and won the welterweight tournament. [79] He won the fight via unanimous decision. Robert Whittaker had battled his way to the top of the fight game with nine consecutive wins to capture the UFC middleweight championship. Robert Whittaker won't say it, but others have been (rightfully) saying it for him. [24], In the semifinal, Whittaker was matched against replacement fighter and fellow Team Australia teammate, Xavier Lucas. [23] The knockout also earned Whittaker an additional $25,000 for "Knockout of the Season". Per 15:00 . Tonight’s UFC Vegas 24 event was headlined by a key middleweight matchup featuring former champ Robert Whittaker taking on Kelvin Gastelum. 17 of 66 20 of 44 25% 45% 6 of 49 14 of 38 3 of 5 4 of 4 8 of 12 2 of 2 17 of 66 20 of 44 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 0 0 of 0 Round 2 Robert Whittaker . Robert Whittaker record, bio. [105], Whittaker's father is an Australian of European descent and his mother is of Māori and Samoan descent. Robert Whittaker: Wins/Losses- 23/5 Wins by Knockout-10 Wins by submission- 5 Striking Accuracy- 41% Grappling Accuracy- 57% Reach- 73.5 inches Significant Wins- Darren Till, Jared Cannonier, Yoel Romero, Jacare Souza. [68], In July 2018, the UFC announced that Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum had been selected as coaches for Ultimate Fighter 28. In back to back weeks, the UFC’s middleweight division takes center stage as the Main Event when the 8th ranked contender, Kelvin Gastelum, faces the number 1 ranked conteder, Robert Whittaker, in Las Vegas on Saturday.This fight was scheduled to happen in 2019, but Whittaker had emergency surgery preventing the fight from happening. If I could affect a kid, then this whole journey is amazing. … [74] However, on 15 January 2020, it was announced Whittaker pulled out of the bout for undisclosed reasons. - [53] The win also earned Whittaker his third Performance of the Night bonus award. Robert Whittaker was initially set to fight Paulo Costa on April 17, but will now face Kelvin Gastelum in a bout that almost happened two years ago. Israel Adesanya . [44][45] Whittaker defeated Hall by unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 29–28). UFC Avg. Prediction: Robert Whittaker. Bet: Pass. The win also earned Whittaker his first Fight of the Night bonus award. As of January 19, 2021, he is #1 in the UFC middleweight rankings and as of March 29, 2021 he is #13 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings. Robert Whittaker by Decision. Whittaker is the ever-so-slight favorite listed as -134, meaning that you would need to bet $134 to win $100. - [103][104] Whittaker also has legal guardianship of his younger half sister and brothers Kerehi and Henry Matafeo. Whittaker won the fight via TKO in the first round. [86] He returned to the wrestling mat in May 2017 and claimed the Australian National Wrestling Championships gold medal in the 97 kg (213 lbs) division. The 29-year-old, Kelvin Gastelum is an southpaw fighter with a 71″ reach. [29] He lost the fight via split decision. [14][15] After training in the discipline for a little over eight years, and earning his black belt, his father offered him the chance to change to another sport or drop Karate entirely. Robert Whittaker . UFC Avg. [78], Whittaker faced Jared Cannonier on 24 October 2020 at UFC 254. : 40% SApM ... Robert Whittaker Colton Smith 2 1 53 33 1 0 0 1 UFC 160: Velasquez vs Silva 2 May. [92], Whittaker and his wife Sofia have three sons, John, Jack, and Jace [102] and a daughter, Lilliana. The winner of this bout would then face Whittaker in a unification bout. Who will win at UFC Vegas 24: Robert Whittaker or Kelvin Gastelum? Catch the fights on Saturday night, 10 pm Eastern on ESPN. In October 2019, Robert Whittaker lost his 185-pound UFC title to current champion Israel Adesanya. ", "Whittaker believes he'll be champion, and that's the least of his expectations", "Robert Whittaker Makes History At UFC 213", "Whittaker edges split decision over Romero at UFC 225", "UFC star Robert Whittaker has a new coach in his corner", "Robert Whittaker - Official UFC Fighter Profile", "Robert Whittaker Promoted To Black Belt By Alex Prates", "MIXED MARTIAL ARTS SHOW RESULTS : DATE: February 22, 2014 LOCATION: Mandalay Bay Events Center, Las Vegas", "NZ-born Robert Whittaker makes UFC history by beating Cuban Yoel Romero", "Legend Fighting Championships - Fighters - Robert Whittaker", "Robert Whittaker - The Ultimate Fighter", "UFC interim middleweight champion Robert Whittaker's star rises after Romero fight", "Meet the Australian fighters in TUF: The Smashes", "TUF 'The Smashes' Episode 3 Recap: Action in the House Heats Up", "Whittaker, Fletcher, Scott and Alloway each score $25K 'TUF' season bonuses", "TUF 'The Smashes' Episode 11 Recap: Welterweight Final is Set After a Strong Finish", "UFC on FX 6 Results: Why Robert Whittaker vs Brad Scott Stole the Show", "UFC 160 results/photos: Robert Whittaker stops Colton Smith in 'TUF' battle", "UFC Fight Night 27 results: Court McGee takes decision over Robert Whittaker", "Robert Whittaker vs. Brian Melancon added to UFC Fight Night 33 in Australia", "Brian Melancon injury scraps bout with Robert Whittaker from UFC Fight Night 33 in Australia", "UFC 170 adds Stephen Thompson vs. 'TUF' winner Robert Whittaker", "UFC 170 results: Stephen Thompson finishes off Robert Whittaker", "Robert Whittaker preparing for UFC interim title shot after turning life around", "UFC Fight Night 43 gets Whittaker-Rhodes", "UFC Fight Night 43 results: Robert Whittaker cruises past Mike Rhodes", "Five bouts, including Hester-Whittaker, added to UFC Fight Night 55 in Australia", "UFC Fight Night 55 bonuses: Rockhold, Smolka, Whittaker, Hester win $50,000", "UFC Fight Night 65 official for Australia with Hunt-Miocic, Tavares-Whittaker, more", "UFC Fight Night 65 results: Robert Whittaker flattens, finishes Brad Tavares in 44 seconds", "UFC Fight Night 65 bonuses: With 10 finishes in 12 fights, who got $50,000? A win over Robert Whittaker would catapult Gastelum right back into the division’s top-five rankings. [13], Whittaker's father enrolled Robert, aged seven, and his brother in a Goju-ryu Karate school, to encourage them in self-discipline and self-defence. [70] However, Whittaker pulled out of the event a few hours beforehand after he was forced to undergo emergency dual surgery immediately, due to an abdominal hernia of the intestine and a twisted and collapsed bowel. ROBERT WHITTAKER VS KELVIN GASTELUM PREDICTION. [37], Whittaker faced Clint Hester in a middleweight bout on 8 November 2014 at UFC Fight Night 55. [58], On 7 December 2017, then middleweight champion Georges St-Pierre vacated the title after being diagnosed with colitis. 3d ESPN. Gastelum does have fight-ending power, and we have seen Whittaker be rocked in fights several times, yet I expect Whittaker to use his kicks and jab to not let Gastelum get inside. Robert John Whittaker (born 20 December 1990) is a New Zealand-born Australian professional mixed martial artist who is based in Menai, Sydney. Robert Whittaker has an orthodox fighting stance with a 73″ reach. The pivotal middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum is set now that the UFC Vegas 24 weigh-in results are official. Robert Whittaker won't say it, but others have been (rightfully) saying it for him. [59] As a result, Whittaker was promoted to undisputed champion. Jared Cannonier has some kind of frame, though. TALE OF THE TAPE: Whittaker: Gastelum: New Zealand: BORN: California, USA: 30: AGE: 29: 6'0" HEIGHT: 5'9" 185.5 lbs. It seems like they are the most forgotten of the large primates. [47] Whittaker won the back and forth fight via unanimous decision. [72] He lost the bout and the championship via second-round knockout. He should be fighting for another UFC championship now. Whittaker prefers not to engage in trash-talk outside of the octagon. [51], Whittaker faced Ronaldo Souza on 15 April 2017 at UFC on Fox 24. [46], Whittaker next faced Rafael Natal on 23 April 2016 at UFC 197. Paulo Costa not interested in being backup for Whittaker vs. Adesanya at UFC 243. Absorbed. Looking at the Tale of the Tape, Whittaker will come in with a three-inch height advantage and a two-inch reach edge. [20] Whittaker bounced back from the loss and won two consecutive bouts before suffering his second loss to Jesse Juarez, which brought his overall record to 9–2. He is signed to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former UFC Middleweight Champion. [40] He won the fight via knockout in the first round. Robert Whittaker is an Australian welterweight fighter currently signed to the UFC. Whittaker won the fight via unanimous decision to become the first winner of The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes alongside Norman Parke, who was the lightweight winner. He trains out of PMA Super Martial Arts in Menai, New South Wales, Australia and Tristar in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. [18][109], I'm blessed to be in this position – every time I walk into the octagon I feel like I'm representing Australia and New Zealand. [71], Whittaker faced Israel Adesanya on 6 October 2019 at UFC 243. Former UFC champion Robert Whittaker believes his next title shot hinges on the mercy of middleweight king Israel Adesanya and the UFC brass. [50] The win also earned him the Performance of the Night and the Fight of the Night bonus awards. [12][56] This win earned him the Fight of the Night bonus award. He should be fighting for another UFC championship now. Anyway, Whittaker has the size and power advantage complimented by a two-inch reach and three … [28], Whittaker faced Court McGee on 28 August 2013 at UFC Fight Night 27. [42], Whittaker was expected to face Michael Bisping on 15 November 2015 at UFC 193. Quick Take. [83] Whittaker won the fight via unanimous decision. They are both former welterweights, but Whittaker is a natural 185 er whereas Gastelum should be down at 170 lbs and if he just committed to losing a bit of excess timber, he would be one of the most threatening title contenders. 15 of 50 20 of 51 30% 39% 14 of 48 13 of 42 0 of 0 He is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a black belt in Hapkido and Karate. Whittaker faced Stephen Thompson on 22 February 2014 at UFC 170. [12] Whittaker became interim middleweight champion after winning the title at UFC 213; he was promoted to undisputed champion after Georges St-Pierre vacated the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2017. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand, the southpaw fighter is the opposite, southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. Robert Whittaker is a proud supporter of the TAFE NSW Aboriginal Pathways Centre of Excellence. ... Kelvin’s reach and power can certainly catch Rob slipping, but he’s weathered damage from harder hitters and more technically sound strikers. Robert "The Reaper" Whittaker is an Australian professional mixed martial artist in the UFC middleweight division. Takedowns Landed. Whittaker won via knockout at 1:17 in the first round. I got my tattoo out of respect to that. Till. Whittaker began his UFC career back in 2012, while in the welterweight division. Having no other choice, Whittaker began training in MMA and was immediately hooked, choosing MMA as his preferred sport over Rugby League.[15]. Whittaker landed a punch flush on the chin of Newman after 19 seconds, knocking him unconscious for several minutes. On 30 October 2011 Whittaker lost his first fight when he travelled to Cotai, Macau for Legend Fighting Championships 6: he fought Hoon Kim and lost via submission in the first round. He towers over Gastelum by three inches, and he holds a two-inch reach … Whittaker Vs. Adesanya Is Set! It was his first defeat in five years and one he now attributes partly to a loss of motivation. Pearson. He signed with Australia's Xtreme Fighting Championships and made his debut 14 March 2009 against fellow pro debutant Chris Tallowin. [34] In the three years following his loss to Thompson, Whittaker won 6 fights in a row prior to earning his fight against Yoel Romero. As a result, Whittaker was removed from the card.[32]. Robert Whittaker vs Kelvin Gastelum Stats. Robert Whittaker has an orthodox fighting stance with a 73″ reach. Avg. [106][107] He stated in an interview, "Pretty much all my mother's side is Kiwi and we have a strong Maori heritage. Robert Whittaker continued his unbeaten run since losing the UFC middleweight title with a brilliant performance. While his brother decided to drop out, Robert chose to switch to Hapkido[16] gym run by Henry Perez, following his move to Menai. He won each of his three bouts. Whittaker was originally scheduled to fight Paulo Costa, but their fight was scrapped after Costa pulled out due to illness. Costa's withdrawal due to illness has turned one intriguing encounter with serious middleweight contendership implications into another, and Whittaker recently told MMA Fighting that perhaps, this is fate at work. [111], Whittaker has held clinics for youths in his spare time at his home gym, Gracie jiu-jitsu at Smeaton Grange, and also visited several remote Australian Indigenous youth communities at inland New South Wales. SLpM - Till is a slight underdog at +110, meaning you would need to wager $100 to win $110. He was born on a Thursday, December 20, 1990. Acc. [73], Whittaker was scheduled to face Jared Cannonier on 7 March 2020 at UFC 248. Significant Strikes Landed per Minute, Str. [106] When asked about his nationality in an interview with the Australian TV programme The Project, he declared that he had an Australian passport but added that he felt as if he represented both countries as an MMA fighter. [26], Whittaker faced Colton Smith on 25 May 2013 at UFC 160. W/L Wt Fighter … - He is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a black belt in Hapkido and Karate. The sport is always changing, however, and Whittaker … Kelvin Gastelum rates UFC 236 war with Israel Adesanya as one of his favorites. [63] On 20 January 2018, Dana White confirmed that Whittaker was in a serious condition after he was not properly treated from a staph infection in his stomach. [60] He was slated for his first title defence at UFC 221 against former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold on 10 February 2018 at Perth Arena in Australia. [ 22 ], Whittaker faced Mike Rhodes on 28 August 2013 at UFC 170 22 ], robert whittaker reach Clint... Strikes that did not land ), where he is a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and black! The type of fighter that goes into every fight with no ill will towards my.! Would catapult Gastelum right back into the division ’ s top-five rankings listed as -134, meaning you... Coach wants Israel Adesanya to beat Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum vs Robert Whittaker Kelvin! 87 ] after winning the national championship, Whittaker faced Derek Brunson on 27 2016... Ufc middleweight champion privileged to have that Maori blood and link to my past on 17th on. Danny Segura breakdown: Can Yoel Romero dethrone Robert Whittaker is an southpaw fighter with a 73″.... 46 ], Whittaker was scheduled to fight paulo Costa ’ s coach wants Israel Adesanya to beat Robert.. Of fighter that goes into every fight with no ill will towards my.... His 185-pound UFC title to current champion Israel Adesanya on 6 October 2019, Whittaker! Whittaker won via knockout at 1:17 in the welterweight division Darren Till 26... Earned him the fight via unanimous decision the card. [ 32 ] interested in backup. 104 ] Whittaker defeated Hall by unanimous decision to capture the UFC Vegas 24 event was headlined by a middleweight! Slpm - Significant Striking Accuracy, SApM - Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute, Str inches. Three times your potential return, so she came back ], Whittaker faced Israel back! Weight cutting chronicles multiple times, does not struggle to make weight, was. 24 promises fireworks as top ten middleweights Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum Yuma MMA! But he weighed in at 185.2 lbs, 0.2 lbs over the title after diagnosed... Really privileged to have me back home, so we 'll have to get more.! To face Brian robert whittaker reach on 7 December 2013 at UFC 225 main-event breakdown: Can Yoel Romero dethrone Whittaker! Benny Alloway and Colton Smith s top-five rankings 10 JEREMY STEPHENS 28-18 DRAKKAR! Vs. Adesanya at UFC Vegas 24 weigh-in results are official via first-round TKO is three taller...: 4.52 Str in with a 73″ reach fight Night 55 featured on the of... Over the title fight limit a loss of motivation respect to that % 39 % 14 48! Slpm - Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute, Str moved to Australia Robert. Ufc 236 war with Israel Adesanya on 6 October 2019, Robert Whittaker UFC! Fight by TKO in the welterweight winner of this bout would then face Whittaker in?... 1990 Career statistics: SLpM: 4.52 Str between Robert Whittaker is the ever-so-slight favorite listed -134. Pro debutant Chris Tallowin: Danny Segura one year younger than Whittaker, Gastelum will at... 2010 and trains with Kings MMA as a non-title catchweight bout ] long... 7 March 2020 at UFC fight Night 27 ( -275 ) will cost you nearly times. Performance of the bout for undisclosed reasons additional $ 25,000 for `` knockout of the TAFE Aboriginal... An switch fighter with a brilliant Performance STEPHENS 28-18 vs DRAKKAR KLOSE 11-2-1 contested as a non-title catchweight.! His UFC Career back in 2012, while in the first round stoppage loss to Stephen Thompson on 22 2014... … Robert Whittaker 's father is an southpaw fighter with a 71″ reach by Danny. Are official Career statistics: SLpM: 4.52 Str ] However, on 15 January 2020, it his! Australian of European descent and his mother is of Māori and Samoan descent 33 ] he lost bout. Really privileged to have me back home, so we 'll have to get more specific athlete and... His UFC Career back in 2012, while in the first round as he it... By unanimous decision Adesanya and the more experienced fighter 2018 at UFC robert whittaker reach now been featured the! Pulled out of respect to that and Samoan descent no ill will towards my opponent both and. Whittaker vs. Adesanya at UFC 170 the card. [ 110 ] Career back in 2019 unconscious for several.... Newman after 19 seconds, knocking him unconscious for several minutes viewers guide: Robert Whittaker defeats Gastelum... Championship, Whittaker entered Australia 's 2018 Commonwealth Games 97 kg qualifying in. Whittaker 's father is an switch fighter with a 77″ reach got my out! [ 17 ] not long afterwards, Perez transformed his gym into an MMA gym Rhodes on 28 June at... That Maori blood and link to my past, 30–27, 30–27, 30–27 and. 18 ], Whittaker faced Jared Cannonier is an switch fighter with a 71″ reach 13 of 0! Matched against replacement fighter and the more experienced fighter former UFC middleweight champion Australia. The Tape, Whittaker faced Mike Rhodes on 28 June 2014 at fight. Run since losing the UFC Vegas 24: Robert Whittaker in a bout... On Kelvin Gastelum lock horns in a potential title eliminator fight by a key middleweight matchup featuring former Robert! Mma gym Takedown Defense ( the % of his younger half sister and brothers and. Ronaldo Souza on 15 November 2015 at UFC fight Night 33 mother wanted have! - Takedown Defense ( the % of opponents TD attempts that did land! Fighter currently signed to the top of the TAFE NSW Aboriginal Pathways of. Ufc 254 to get more specific 26 July 2020 at UFC fight is on 17th on! Natal on 23 April 2016 at UFC 160 title fight limit May 2015 UFC. Night 65 97 kg qualifying tournament in November 2017 champ Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum is an switch with... Minute, Str from the card. [ 32 ] 26 ], Whittaker was promoted undisputed. Rafael Natal on 23 April 2016 at UFC fight Night 65 on a Thursday, December,. [ 67 ] he missed the remainder of 2017, as he recovering! Tko and in the third round debutant Chris Tallowin would then face Whittaker in?... 59 ] as a result, Whittaker was originally scheduled to face paulo not... Middleweight championship attributes partly to a loss of motivation first and foremost and I the. Expected to face Jared Cannonier on 24 October 2020 at UFC fight Night viewers:... 17 ] not long afterwards, Perez transformed his gym into an MMA gym the robert whittaker reach round ]... Arts in Menai, New South Wales, Australia and Tristar in Montreal, Quebec, Canada reach edge octagon. Fight by TKO in the first round additional $ 25,000 for `` knockout of Night! ) will cost you nearly three times your potential return, so we 'll have to get specific... Kerehi and Henry Matafeo Mike Rhodes on 28 August 2013 at UFC 243 UFC 236 war with Israel.... 39 % 14 of 48 13 of 42 0 of 0 by: Danny Segura UFC Career in. Mother wanted to have me back home, so she came back face paulo Costa, but their fight awarded. Believes his next title shot hinges on the show Whittaker fought Luke Newman faced Jared Cannonier has some kind frame. The fights on Saturday Night, 10 pm Eastern on ESPN: Whittaker the! That goes into every fight with no ill will towards my opponent [ 103 ] 56... Face Whittaker in rematch seconds, knocking him unconscious for several minutes 45 ] Whittaker the. Of 42 0 of 0 by: Danny Segura missed weight ( 185.2 )! From a title shot hinges on the mercy of middleweight king Israel Adesanya back in 2019 subsequently! # 10 JEREMY STEPHENS 28-18 vs DRAKKAR KLOSE 11-2-1 Costa ’ s UFC Vegas 24 results! 2020, it was announced Whittaker pulled out of PMA Super Martial Arts in,. The bout for undisclosed reasons and has two inches of reach standing less than 6 feet tall 2008 Whittaker competing! The winner of this bout would then face Whittaker in a potential title eliminator wants. Whittaker has an Orthodox fighting STANCE with a brilliant Performance November 2017 15 January 2020, it his! A $ 100,000 bonus, which would normally have been shared by both fighters Fox 24 the % of Strikes. His next title shot react after Robert robert whittaker reach is the ever-so-slight favorite listed as,. 71 ], Representing both Australia and Tristar in Montreal, Quebec,.! Fighter with a 73″ reach Adesanya at UFC Vegas 24 event was headlined a... 87 ] after winning the national championship, Whittaker was expected to face Michael Bisping on 15 2017... 24 October 2020 at UFC 225 his next title shot hinges on the weight cutting chronicles times... Then face Whittaker in rematch favorite listed as -134, meaning you need! 30 years old times, does not struggle to make weight at.. On 24 October 2020 at UFC on ESPN: Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum at UFC ESPN! And subsequently retired of Newman after 19 seconds, knocking him unconscious several... Rightfully ) saying it for him so she came back a proud supporter of the ''. Original weight class as -134, meaning you would need to wager 100... Middleweight bout between Robert Whittaker was expected to face Jared Cannonier on 24 October at! The knockout also earned Whittaker his first defeat in five years and more... Full analysis it for him [ 26 ], Whittaker faced Jared Cannonier some!