Robert Whittaker introduced his return to the Octagon in June, probably making his debut at gentle heavyweight after a tough collection of cuts at middleweight.
Talking with Ariel Helwani on February 2, 2026, Whittaker confirmed his return schedule and defined why he might change divisions. “I will be again in June,” Whitaker mentioned. “I do not need to divide my consideration between flying, combating, the subsequent sport, and broadcasting and touring. I need to be centered.”
Robert Whittaker pronounces return in June, 90% dedicated to maneuver to gentle heavyweight
The previous middleweight champion has not competed since shedding a cut up determination to Reinier de Ridder at UFC ABC 9 on July 26, 2025. It was Whittaker’s second consecutive loss, following a first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October 2024.
Whittaker revealed that the break was intentional, citing the beginning of his sixth youngster in November and the necessity to step away from the game. “I knew my spouse was due round November, so I wished to take a while away from the sport,” he mentioned. “The previous couple of camps have not been very enjoyable. I really feel like there’s not sufficient respect for the sport due to the divided consideration.”
The Australian fighter described weight reduction as turning into more and more tough and mentioned he was “90 per cent” dedicated to shifting as much as gentle heavyweight. “The previous couple of cuts have been powerful,” Whittaker defined. “I do know there is a rising development that ‘Rob is a small middleweight,’ however I simply have stubby arms and am brief. I am too brief for this weight class anyway. So shifting up will not make a lot of a distinction.”
His strolling weight between camps was about 235 kilos, and Whittaker detailed the sacrifices he made in getting right down to 185 kilos. “On the finish of ’85 camp, you’re feeling so weak, and on sport week, you do not eat something to get your water right down to a stage the place you possibly can lower it off. It takes numerous the enjoyable out of it,” he mentioned.
Regardless of being 90% certain a few transfer to gentle heavyweight, Whittaker admitted it might not be a dialog but. However his reasoning extends past weight reduction struggles. “I feel it will be higher to vary from a heavier place due to the change in combating fashion,” he identified. “My reasoning is that gentle heavyweights are going to knock one another out anyway, even when they seem to be a correct gentle heavyweight. Nothing modifications. Simply do not get hit.”
Whittaker expressed curiosity in competing on UFC’s historic White Home card scheduled for June 14, 2026. “I feel the White Home card is about that point. It might be nice to be part of that,” he mentioned. “If not, let’s have a look at what else is happening.”
The sunshine heavyweight division is at present led by champion Alex Pereira, with prime contenders together with Jiri Prochaska, Carlos Ulberg, and Magomed Ankalaev. Whittaker believes his resume and expertise places him in place to make a shot at a title inside a combat or two in his new division.
Whittaker plans to have three to 4 months to organize earlier than coming into camp in earnest. “I’ll keep centered and take three or 4 months to work on one thing new,” he mentioned. “Folks have been taking note of my fashion for too lengthy, so I need to combat in a different way in my subsequent combat. I feel it is time for a change.”
“I nonetheless really feel FOMO once I see them exit and do their factor. I really feel like a fraud on a desk. I ought to get out of there.”
