Robert Whittaker Prioritizes Family Time, Sets Sights on White House Showdown

Robert Whittaker isn’t entirely sold on the idea of fighting on the rumored UFC Sydney card in February, but he has offered an interesting plan B.

Former UFC middleweight champion Whittaker (26-9 MMA, 17-7 UFC) is currently riding the first skid of his professional career, having suffered losses to both Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder over the past 13 months. Although “The Reaper” is eager to get back in the win column, he says he’s resisting the urge to put his name forward for Sydney — for family reasons.

“You know what? I want to,” Whittaker told Fox Sports when asked if he’d like to fight on the Sydney card. “My head wants to, but I just don't think it's going to (happen), you know? I'm having a baby, it's due in a few weeks, and I want to be there for that period. I want to be there for that period. I want to be there for my kids during Christmas. I don't want to be in camp during this period. I've missed a lot of them. Family time's important.”

While the Sydney event may come too soon for Whittaker, the idea of taking on a fellow former UFC champion at the promotion’s gala event at the White House next April is certainly something that excites him.

“I would love to fight Sean Strickland in front of the White House,” he said with a smile. “For one, I think that's going to be a monumental occasion. When are you ever going to be able to fight in front of the White House ever again? But I've been trying to fight Sean for the longest of times just because I like that fight. We've been in the same circles for a while. He's still ranked three, which puts me right back into a conversation that I want to be a part of. And I think it'll be a fun fight. I think it'll be a good fight to watch. Yeah, I'd love to be on that.”