Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Robert Whittaker moves in with a hit against Paulo Costa during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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‘I Want To Set a Statement in This Next Fight’ – Robert Whittaker Wants To Send a Message to the Middleweight Division in the UFC

Learn All About How Robert Whittaker Is Sending a Statement to the UFC Middleweight Division Through His Next UFC Fight.

Feb 17, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Robert Whittaker moves in with a hit against Paulo Costa during UFC 298 at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Robert “The Reaper” Whittaker is all prepped up for his next UFC fight. The former Middleweight Champion is all set to clash against Reinier de Ridder at UFC Fight Night on July 26, 2025.

Robert Whittaker is known as the first UFC Champion from Australia. He is also presently one of the top five fighters in the UFC Middleweight division. Whittaker is looking to rebound from his last fight and return to his winning ways in his next one. So what statement does he want to set in his next fight? Read all about it to find out.

Robert Whittaker Wants To Make His Way Back to the Middleweight Title Opportunity

Robert Whittaker wants to use his fight against Reinier de Ridder on July 26, 2025 to get back towards an opportunity for the Middleweight title. The former Middleweight Champion has stated (via Submission Radio on Instagram)-

“I want to set a statement in this next fight. I want to really send a message.”

Robert Whittaker then went on to explain he was getting ready for a fight, possibly in June but it never happened. However, The UFC offered him a fight against Reinier de Ridder in July in Abu Dhabi and he immediately said yes. That being said, Robert Whittaker has acknowledged Reinier de Ridder to be a dangerous opponent as per reports. However, Whittaker believes that if he can control the fight and push the pace, then he can come out as the winner. He also informed that this fight will be his first step towards getting back to a title opportunity.

What Achievements Has Robert Whittaker Made in the UFC So Far?

Robert Whittaker has become one of the veteran MMA fighters from Australia in the UFC. He has held the interim Middleweight title and the Middleweight titles in the company. This made him the first ever Australian UFC Champion. Robert Whittaker also had earned several bonuses in his UFC career so far. This include four Performance of the Night bonus in his UFC career. Whittaker also has three Fight of the Night bonus as a fighter in the company.

The UFC fans will have to wait till UFC Fight Night in Abu Dhabi to see whether Robert Whittaker is successful in making his statement by defeating Reinier de Ridder or not.

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Arka Mukherjee

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I’m a sports content writer focusing on MMA, WWE and MLB writer at The Playoffs. I have a Master’s degree in Media Science (M.Sc) from my college The Heritage Academy. I got into the sports industry through my previous company where I worked from 2023 to March 2025. I’m a fan of combat sports like pro wrestling and MMA. My favorite part about working at The Playoffs is speculating what can be happening in WWE, especially face-heel turns and results of matches.