Robert Whittaker
Active 2014–present · rated in 5 editions · peak overall 91.0
Scouting report
Blitzing karate combinations, a fast lead left hook, and anti-wrestling defense allowed Robert "The Reaper" Whittaker to capture the Undisputed UFC Middleweight Championship. Born in Auckland, New Zealand, and raised in Sydney, Australia, Whittaker defended his crown across two fights with Yoel Romero, his technical striking quantified by a 91 Boxing and 92 Cardio, securing a 91 Overall rating.
Peak ratings
By edition
Whittaker rose through the middleweight division, outpointing Rafael Natal at UFC 197, finishing Derek Brunson in Melbourne, knocking out Ronaldo Souza in Kansas City, and defeating Yoel Romero at UFC 213 in Las Vegas to capture the Interim UFC Middleweight Championship before being promoted to undisputed champion. His blitz boxing, head kicks, and takedown defense are reflected in an 89 Boxing and 86 Wrestling.
Whittaker defended his undisputed title in a five-round fight against Yoel Romero at UFC 225 in Chicago in June 2018, winning a split decision, before dropping the belt to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 in Melbourne in October 2019. His high-volume combinations, durability, and pace anchor his 91 Boxing and 92 Cardio.
Whittaker went on a three-fight surge across 2020 and 2021 on Fight Island and in Las Vegas, out-pointing Darren Till, Jared Cannonier at UFC 254, and Kelvin Gastelum across thirteen rounds to secure another title opportunity. His jab, blitz entries, and defensive wrestling justify his 91 Boxing and 88 Wrestling.
Whittaker lost a five-round decision to Israel Adesanya at UFC 271 in Houston, dominated Marvin Vettori in Paris, outpointed Paulo Costa at UFC 298 in Anaheim, and finished Ikram Aliskerov with a first-round knockout in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in June 2024. His boxing combinations and championship pacing anchor his 90 Boxing and 90 Cardio.
Robert Whittaker and the fighter who kept getting up
Robert Whittaker moved to middleweight after a run at welterweight, and he won the interim title by beating Yoel Romero in a tough, close fight, then became undisputed champion. He is a Sydney-based striker with a karate background who uses movement, angles and strong takedown defense. Draft him for a steady approach that holds up over time.
Whittaker's card explained
Boxing. Sharp and fast. He mixes jabs, left hooks and body work.
Kickboxing. Strong. Karate-style kicks and angles keep opponents guessing.
Wrestling. Very good. He defended and used takedowns against some of the best wrestlers at 185.
BJJ. The lowest number. He can scramble and defend but is not a submission threat.
Strength. Fine for the class. He leans on speed and timing.
Durability. Very good. He absorbed heavy shots from Yoel Romero and stayed in the fight.
Cardio. Among the best on his card. He handled tough five-round fights and kept a steady pace.
Fight IQ. Smart and adaptable. He changed the game plan when it was needed.
Cardio is why he wins the long fights
Whittaker holds his pace deep into a bout. Opponents who rely on big early bursts often fade, and he keeps moving. He is a good pick if you expect a five-round fight.
Little threat off his back: BJJ
His ground game is competent but not a weapon. Given how well he avoids the mat, the weakness matters only in a matchup with a top submission artist. Pair him with a teammate who covers that.
Keep exploring
Closest middleweight profiles to Robert Whittaker, measured by how near their peak attribute ratings sit across all eight categories.
- Sean Stricklandbest cardio 95 · weakest bjj 78
- Dricus du Plessisbest strength 91 · weakest bjj 85
- Israel Adesanyabest kickboxing 98 · weakest bjj 78
- Nassourdine Imavovbest boxing 89 · weakest bjj 78
- Middleweight division guide: how the whole division rates and who to draft from it.
- Protecting your streak: a guide that fits Robert Whittaker's strongest attribute, Cardio.
Draft Robert Whittaker into your build
Robert Whittaker enters the pool on any spin landing on middleweight between 2016 and present. Spin, draft eight attributes, then simulate 25 fights.
Ratings shown are my own estimates, made with AI assistance and informed by how Robert Whittaker is regarded by the MMA community. They are unofficial and do not constitute an assessment of Robert Whittaker's real-world abilities. How the ratings are made. See the disclaimer below. Ratings and write-ups by Haaris A. Last reviewed 2026-09-30; spot an error? Tell us. Read our editorial standards.