Robert “The Reaper”Whittaker

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.