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Robert Whittaker has begun discussions to headline an Australian UFC blockbuster in August – and potentially, gain revenge for Machine Gun Kelly – while also revealing how serious illness “knocked me for six” on the morning of his incredible UFC 298 win over Paulo Costa.
After five years fighting UFC bangers abroad, Whitter finally looks set for a massive homecoming in either Sydney or Perth later this year – with his management already in talks to have ‘The Reaper’ headlining on home soil.
While UFC executives are yet to make any announcement about a return Down Under, rumours have been circulating for weeks about a Pay-Per-View card in the second half of 2024, with Perth’s RAC Arena apparently the early favourite to play host in either August or September.
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Importantly, Whittaker wants onto that card and says the dates would be “perfect timing” for his next fight.
The 33-year-old’s announcement follows on from his emphatic win over Costa at UFC 298 less than a fortnight ago.
Despite going into the bout with many questioning exactly where his career — and to a lesser extent, chin — were at, Whittaker answered it all, and then some, by not only surviving a brutal spinning heel kick late in the opening round, but rallying, returning fire and eventually dominating an incredible slobberknocker to win by decision.
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia this week, Australia’s first UFC champ not only talked up his eagerness for an Australian card, or relived the Costa win in detail – including his ability to eat said headkick – but also revealed how, even now, he is still overcoming an illness that “knocked me for six” on fight day.
So badly was Whittaker struck down that at one point since returning home, the fighter went three straight days with “throbbing” headaches and is still suffering a sore throat and scratchy voice.
Importantly though, the Sydneysider stresses he effectively came out of the Costa showdown injury free, and is already making plans for a triumphant homecoming in the second half of this year.
“I think there could be an Australian card in August,” Whittaker says when asked what will be next for him. “So that’s what I’m preparing for”.
Elsewhere, the Sydney father-of-five also has also opened up his renewed fight mindset, Youtubers, even that man most are tipping to be his next rival, Sean Strickland – who in recent weeks has made his own headlines due to altercations with Machine Gun Kelly and popular influencer Sneako.
Whittaker offers Volk heartfelt advice | 01:15
Mate, we’re now 10 days removed from you not simply eating that brutal Paulo Costa spinning heel kick, but surviving, returning fire, and eventually winning a UFC 298 barnburner. Recollections?
“(Laughs) Well, the kick came out of nowhere. And it was a solid hit, too. But I was completely coherent throughout and actually started swinging back by the end of that round. What annoys me though is that I felt like I was piecing Costa up that entire round, but people still scored it for him because of that kick right at the end. But I was always coherent. And by the start of the next round, mate, I was jumping up and down, ready to go.”
So what was the secret to all of that?
“I attribute all of that to my headspace. My resolve. I was so ready to fight Costa that when the headkick came, I was able to shake it off.”
Describe those chaotic few seconds after it landed …
“It’s really hard to explain to people who have never been rocked before. But when you do get rocked, there’s a lot of different ways things can go. You can get put on your arse, for example, and not remember being put there. Then there are times you get hit and it rattles you — your legs do that funny little dance — but you’re still coherent the whole time. And that’s what mine was. It’s almost like your body is saying ‘hey mate, this is your first warning …’.”
For weeks prior you spoke about wanting to revive your warrior spirit against Costa – fair to say that was the moment your words became reality?
“Absolutely. And I’m glad you brought that up because I did mention it a lot in fight week. And I put a lot of pressure on myself because of that. But it’s exactly what I wanted to do. And I feel like I displayed that in the fight. It was the same as back in my Yoel Romero fights, when you’re in the trenches, in deep water. When quitting is so appealing because it would be the easier thing to do.”
Speaking in the Octagon afterwards with Joe Rogan in the Octagon, you described the first round headkick ‘nothing but a flesh wound’. Paying homage to Monty Python’s Black Knight, right?
“Definitely, mate. One of my favourite movies. And that scene — absolute classic. Although I do think the comment went over a lot of people’s heads. Especially the younger generation. (Laughs) But I feel a lot of times my humour isn’t received that well …”
It looked to be more than a flesh wound …
“Oh, with my pale skin, things always look worse than they are. It shows up every nick and scratch. It’s why I rarely leave the Octagon without looking like I’ve been run over. But in terms of injuries, no, I’m actually 100 per cent. And to come out of a fight like that unscathed, I’m really fortunate.”
‘Company man’ Volk finally makes demands | 01:39
So no issues at all?
“(Laughs) Well, on fight day I actually woke up with the flu …”
Huh?
“You can probably still hear it in my voice now. Fight day I woke up so crook. I had a sore throat, was getting chills. Looking back now, I don’t think it affected me too much, but it wasn’t fun. And if anything, I actually consider myself lucky given it was only the first day of what was coming on …”
So it’s gotten worse in the days since?
“Oh, the Wednesday after returning home, it’s the sickest I’ve ever been. The whole thing really knocked me for six. Obviously after the weight cut, then the way our fight went, my immune system just plummeted. The headaches especially have been next level. My head was throbbing at one point for three days. I’ve been told there is a flu going around the US right now that impacts people in this way …”
Were you worried on fight day?
“No, you don’t think like that …”
Honestly?
“That has really been my biggest takeaway from this fight, and the thing I’ve been happiest about — that I was able to really take grip of my mental state. You would’ve noticed during fight week with all the interviews I did, then at the weigh ins, even the fight itself, I was so resolved with what I had to do. There was nothing going to stop me from beating that guy. You would’ve had to take me out of there in a body bag.”
Certainly Costa had his best crack at that …
“Leading into the fight I kept telling everyone ‘I’m preparing for the best Paulo Costa’. (Laughs) Thing is of course, I was still hoping for the worst one. But the f…ing best Costa definitely showed up. In my opinion, that’s the best version of him I’ve ever seen. And props to him for that … but I still beat him though.”
So what’s next?
“My trajectory, it’s going upwards. I want that UFC title back. And given Dricus Du Plessis has the belt now, I think it makes perfect sense to run our fight back. But I also understand that’s not how things work sometimes. I never shy away from hard work, either. I think there could be an Australian card in August, so that’s what I’m preparing for. The timing is perfect. My management has put that on my radar and I don’t want to miss that opportunity.”
If you aren’t fighting DDP for the title, reckon the Australian card will be an eliminator against Sean Strickland?
“I don’t hate that fight. And if it happens, I know my aggression will take me to where I need to be. Although I’m certainly not downplaying Strickland’s ability. You give that guy an inch too, he takes a mile. But I like that fight. It’s so hard to get a grip on this division right now though because everything is moving so much.”
Thoughts on Strickland’s recent run in with Machine Gun Kelly?
“What? I haven’t heard. What happened with MGK?”
Apparently he ran into Strickland at a Power Slap event, the pair had words, something about Strickland calling him a vampire ….
“F… who hasn’t Sean had words with? But you know what’s funny; I’m actually into MGK at the moment. Don’t really like his rock, but the punk emo stuff, I don’t mind that.”
So we can say you’re a Machine Gun Kelly fan?
“Yeah, mate I am.”
What about Sneako then, who Strickland punched portholes in during a recent sparring session?
“On that one, man, I dunno. I don’t think it’s right, as fighters, to use our abilities on people who don’t have them. That’s just textbook bullying. But I also understand how in society today the lines are blurred because there is so much bullying goes on — and without the physical stuff — especially when it comes to certain influencers and Youtubers. I think those guys are terrible people. That whole industry needs to be looked at. They have a lot of power and can really impact people’s lives, but it isn’t policed. Although in saying that, I don’t think you can just go around bashing people, either.”
Thoughts on the rise of Youtubers and influencers generally?
“It’s super hard because all of this is really new. And as I said, unpoliced. Personally, I live by the creed of ‘be what you want the world to be’. Lead by example. But some of these Youtubers and influencers, I don’t think they’re pushing us in the right direction. Although I want to stress it’s a few who are ruining things for the many. There are a lot of good influencers out there, a lot of people doing good things. But mate, it’s all above my pay grade.”
All focus on a UFC Australia blockbuster in August then?
“Yeah definitely. I’m preparing for that date so let’s see what happens.”
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