Issue 137

January 2016

FO follows one of the UFC’s most promising middleweights Robert Whittaker as he prepares to fight in front of more than 56,000 home-country fans at UFC 193.

Monday October 19th

Whittaker’s UFC 193 training camp is in full swing. Today, the rising 185lb contender puts in four hard sessions with his training partners and coaches, including boxing coach Justin Fitzgerald, to prepare for his fight with Uriah Hall.

Friday October 23rd 

After taking time out of training to do some promotional filming with the UFC media team, Robert warms up with a fun game of piggy back wrestling before he hits the mats for a grueling grappling session at Gracie Barra Brazilian jiu-jitsu academy in Sydney.

Sunday October 25th

The 24-year-old shows his sensitive side as he and his wife, Sofia, celebrate their first wedding anniversary. He posts on Instagram: “Words cannot explain my love for you @sofiamwhittaker! Happy 1st wedding anniversary baby!”

Thursday October 29th

Whittaker continues his camp at the gym where he began his MMA career, Padstow PMA, with longtime coach Henry Perez. “#feelingbetterthanever,” the Australian posts after another sparring session.

Thursday November 5th

Following another day with the UFC media team, Whittaker heads back to training and wishes his Gracie jiu-jitsu teammate Carissa Holland good luck as she prepares for the Australian Olympic wrestling team trials.

Saturday November 14th

After a challenging week of weight cutting, Whittaker hits the scales at the Etihad Stadium in Melbourne, Australia, in front of thousands of his countrymen. Both he and his opponent, fellow TUF veteran Uriah Hall, are bang on weight at 185lb.

Sunday November 15th

Whittaker fights in front of a record-breaking crowd and sticks to his game plan to earn a decision win. “This win means everything to me,” he says. “Fighting at home is one of the biggest honors and privileges I could have.”