Robert Whitaker knows how he wants to close his storied career.
“The Reaper” is currently set to compete with Reinier de Ridder in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26th. Whittaker vs. de Ridder is a key matchup in the middleweight division, Whittaker is a former UFC champion, and De Ridder has been 3-0 since joining the promotion in 2024.
If Whittaker defeats De Ridar, it is likely he’s a few times away from winning the title shot. Speaking to Fox Sports Australia, Whittaker laid out his dream retirement scenario.
“Four fights,” Whitaker said. “I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I want four more. That’s me. I need the foothold I need to do what I want to do. Four fights put me in that title shot, finish me on top, and the end of that fairytale. I’m working towards it.”
Whitaker has been short for the top of the division in recent years, but he has restrained a few candidates with the aim of stoking his name out of him. Before losing to Khamzat Chimaev, Whittaker had recorded consecutive victories at Ikram Aliskerov and Paulo Costa. His 6-3 run was defeated by Marvin Vettori, Kelvin Gastelum, Jared Cannory and Darren Till.
Chimaev will challenge champion Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 on August 16th, defeating Whittaker in a two-man fighter matchup. He is eager to rematch both men, but he knows there is an increasing lineup of candidates to pass through first.
“The list is too long right now,” Whittaker said with a laugh. “I’m working. For now, Renielle is in the sight.”
At Chimev’s loss, Whitaker suffered a horrific injury as Chimev’s choke left his teeth behind in his mouth.
The fight didn’t end in a few minutes, and Whitaker wasn’t disappointed because he didn’t think he had the opportunity to show what he could still do.
“He was better than me that day,” Whittaker said. “I could see as many excuses under the sun as I please, but the truth is that I have an L now, all you can do is go back to the gym and go back to the horse. The fight of Chimaev that I made into Ikram, what I did to Costa, he is going to try my game.