Robert Whittaker has introduced he’s returning to the Octagon in June, with a powerful risk of debuting at gentle heavyweight after a sequence of adverse weight cuts at middleweight.
Talking with Ariel Helwani on February 2, 2026, Whittaker confirmed his return timeline and defined his reasoning for doubtlessly switching divisions. “I’m coming again in June,” Whittaker said. “I don’t need to break up my consideration between the craft, the preventing, my subsequent combat, and broadcasting and touring. I need to lock in.”
Robert Whittaker Broadcasts June Comeback, 90% Dedicated to Gentle Heavyweight Change
The previous middleweight champion has been away from competitors since his break up choice loss to Reinier de Ridder at UFC on ABC 9 on July 26, 2025. That marked Whittaker’s second consecutive defeat after a first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October 2024.
Whittaker revealed that his break was intentional, citing the start of his sixth baby in November and a must step away from the game. “I knew my spouse was due round November and I wished to take a while to simply separate myself from the sport a bit of bit,” he stated. “The final couple camps haven’t been tremendous enjoyable. I really feel just like the break up in consideration just isn’t giving the sport sufficient respect.”
The Australian fighter defined that weight cuts have develop into more and more tough, describing himself as “90%” dedicated to transferring as much as gentle heavyweight. “The final couple cuts have been arduous,” Whittaker defined. “I do know the rising development is like, ‘Rob’s a small middleweight,’ however I’m simply quick with stumpy arms. I’m quick for the division anyway. So there’s not a lot distinction going up.”
At a walking-around weight of roughly 235 kilos between camps, Whittaker detailed the toll of reducing to 185 kilos. “I simply really feel so weak on the finish of the 85 camp. After which combat week, I’m consuming nothing to get down to a degree the place I can reduce the water. It takes a number of the enjoyable out of it,” he stated.
Regardless of being 90% satisfied concerning the transfer to gentle heavyweight, Whittaker admitted he might nonetheless be talked out of it. Nevertheless, his reasoning extends past weight-cutting struggles. “With the fight-style adjustments, I feel that the adjustments can be higher from a heavier place,” he famous. “My reasoning as nicely is that gentle heavyweight dudes knock one another out anyway. Even when they’re a correct gentle heavy. Nothing adjustments. Simply don’t get hit.”
Whittaker expressed curiosity in competing on the UFC’s historic White Home card, scheduled for June 14, 2026. “I feel the White Home card is round that point. That might be superior to be part of that,” he stated. “In any other case, let’s see what else is going on.”
The present gentle heavyweight division is headed by champion Alex Pereira, with prime contenders together with Jiri Prochazka, Carlos Ulberg, and Magomed Ankalaev. Whittaker believes his resume and expertise would place him for a title shot inside one or two fights within the new division.
Earlier than locking into camp, Whittaker plans to offer himself three to 4 months of preparation. “I’m going to lock in, give myself a correct three months or three, fourish months to work on some new issues,” he stated. “I need to come into the subsequent combat completely different as a result of individuals have been watching my fashion for too lengthy. I feel it’s time for a change.”
“I nonetheless get FOMO seeing these guys stroll out and doing their factor. I really feel like an impostor on the desk. I ought to be there strolling out.”
