UFC

Robert “The Reaper”Whittaker

UFC28-9-0

Division
Middleweight
Stance
Orthodox
Height
6' 0"
Weight
185 lbs.
Reach
73"
Nationality
Otahuhu, Australia

Fighter metrics

Wins by KO
10
Wins by submission
5
Wins by decision
9
Significant strikes / fight
85

Striking accuracy

43%

1,367 landed · 3,177 attempted

Takedown accuracy

38%

Recent fight form

Latest 5 verified results in our archive · 2024-02-17 to 2026-07-11

Wins

3 / 5

Losses

2 / 5

Historical results, not a prediction. See opponents and methods in fight history below.

Fight history

  • Nikita Krylov

    Jul 11, 2026

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 3 · 1:01

  • Reinier de Ridder

    Jul 26, 2025

    Loss

    Decision - Split · Round 5 · 5:00

  • Khamzat Chimaev

    Oct 26, 2024

    Loss

    Submission · Round 1 · 3:34

  • Ikram Aliskerov

    Jun 22, 2024

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 1 · 1:49

  • Paulo Costa

    Feb 17, 2024

    Win

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Loss

    KO/TKO · Round 2 · 2:23

  • Marvin Vettori

    Sep 3, 2022

    Win

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Israel Adesanya

    Feb 12, 2022

    Loss

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 5 · 5:00

  • Kelvin Gastelum

    Apr 17, 2021

    Win

    Decision - Unanimous · Round 5 · 5:00

  • Jared Cannonier

    Oct 24, 2020

    Win

    DEC · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Yoeru Romero

    Jun 9, 2018

    Win

    DEC · Round 5 · 5:00

  • Yoeru Romero

    Jul 8, 2017

    Win

    DEC · Round 5 · 5:00

  • Ronaldo Souza

    Apr 15, 2017

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 2 · 3:30

  • Derek Brunson

    Nov 25, 2016

    Win

    KO/TKO · Round 1 · 4:09

  • Rafael Natal

    Apr 23, 2016

    Win

    DEC · Round 3 · 4:59

  • Uriah Hall

    Nov 14, 2015

    Win

    DEC · Round 3 · 5:00

  • Brad Tavares

    May 9, 2015

    Win

    ko/tko · Round 1 · 0:44

Robert Whittaker Bio

Robert Whittaker is a New Zealand-born Australian mixed martial artist and former UFC middleweight champion. Born on December 20, 1990, he stands 6 feet tall and has competed in the UFC at welterweight, middleweight and light heavyweight. As of September 11, 2026, the UFC lists “The Reaper” as an active light heavyweight who trains at PMA in Padstow, New South Wales.

Whittaker began his professional MMA career in 2009 and reached the UFC through The Ultimate Fighter: Australia vs. UK — The Smashes. He defeated Brad Scott in the welterweight final in December 2012, earning the tournament title and beginning a long UFC tenure. After moving from welterweight to middleweight, he developed into one of the division’s leading contenders.

Whittaker captured the interim UFC middleweight championship by defeating Yoel Romero at UFC 213 in July 2017 and was subsequently recognized as undisputed champion. His reign ended against Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 in October 2019, and he later challenged Adesanya for the title again at UFC 271. In 2026, Whittaker moved to light heavyweight and won his divisional debut against Nikita Krylov at UFC 329.

Whittaker’s martial arts background includes black belts in karate, Hapkido and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Although the UFC profile identifies Brazilian jiu-jitsu as his fighting style, he is also known for fast, committed striking and the ability to blend techniques from several disciplines. His movement through three UFC divisions and championship success at middleweight reflect an adaptable approach built over more than a decade in the promotion.

Record
28-9-0
Division
Middleweight
Fighting style
MMA
Stance
Orthodox
Height
6' 0"
Weight
185 lbs.
Reach
73"
Leg reach
43.00
Gym / team
Tristar Gym (2013–2014) PMA Super Martial Arts, Gracie Jiu Jitsu, Smeaton Grange Stand Strong Boxing
Nationality
Otahuhu, Australia
Residence
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Birth date
Dec 20, 1990 (age 35)
Age
35
Birthplace
, ,
Country
New Zealand

Robert Whittaker Questions & Answers

What UFC division does Robert Whittaker fight in?

As of September 11, 2026, the UFC lists Robert Whittaker as an active light heavyweight. He moved up after spending most of his UFC career at middleweight and began competing in the new division in July 2026.

How tall is Robert Whittaker?

Robert Whittaker is 6 feet tall.

When was Robert Whittaker born?

Robert Whittaker was born on December 20, 1990.

When did Robert Whittaker make his UFC debut?

Whittaker made his official UFC debut in December 2012, defeating Brad Scott in the welterweight final of The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes.

Was Robert Whittaker a UFC champion?

Yes. Whittaker defeated Yoel Romero for the interim middleweight championship at UFC 213 in July 2017 and was later recognized as the undisputed UFC middleweight champion. He lost the championship to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 in October 2019.

Where does Robert Whittaker train?

As of September 11, 2026, the UFC lists Whittaker as training at PMA in Padstow, New South Wales, Australia.

What is Robert Whittaker’s fighting style?

Whittaker has a multidisciplinary style grounded in karate, Hapkido and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He holds black belts in all three arts and is recognized for fast, aggressive striking alongside an established grappling base.

When did Robert Whittaker move to light heavyweight?

Whittaker moved to light heavyweight in 2026 after more than a decade competing primarily at middleweight. He made his UFC light heavyweight debut against Nikita Krylov at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026.