Robert Whittaker

Fighter Information

Robert John Whittaker (born 20 December 1990) is an Australian professional mixed martial artist. He currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former UFC Middleweight Champion and the first Australian to win a UFC championship. As of 21 October 2025, he is #9 in the UFC middleweight rankings. A professional MMA competitor since 2009, Whittaker was a contestant on the first series of The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes and won the welterweight tournament.
Full Name :
Robert John Whittaker
Birthdate :
20 December 1990
Birthplace :
Ōtāhuhu, Auckland, New Zealand
Gender :
Male
Height (cm) :
183
Weight (kg) :
84
Residence :
Sydney, Australia
Nationality :
Australia
Status :
Married
Partner :
Sofia Whittaker
Children :
Child-Name (Son), Child-Name (Son), Child-Name (Son), Child-Name (Daughter), Child-Name (Daughter)
Career Started :
2009
Previous Teams:
Tristar Gym (From 2013, To 2014), PMA Super Martial Arts, Gracie Jiu Jitsu Smeaton Grange, Stand Strong Boxing
Rank Belt :
Black belt (Hapkido), Black belt (Gōjū-ryū Karate), Black belt (Brazilian jiu-jitsu)
Reach :
187
Active Status :
From - 2009, To - Present
Ring Name :
The Reaper, Bobby Knuckles

Biography

Robert Whittaker is a distinguished UFC fighter, known for his exceptional striking and resilience in the middleweight division. He began his martial arts quest in 2009, earning black belts in Karate, Hapkido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Whittaker made his UFC debut in 2012 and became the UFC Middleweight Champion in 2017. With an average of 4.54 notable strikes landed per minute, his career reflects both skill and resolve. Continue to investigate his path for deeper insights into his life and achievements.

Early Life

Robert Whittaker began his expedition in martial arts in 2009, motivated by a passion for competition and a strong desire to provide for his family.

Before dedicating himself to a full-time fighting career, he worked as an apprentice electrician, balancing his training with his responsibilities.

Whittaker’s challenging early life experiences instilled in him a deep resolve to excel in mixed martial arts.

His diverse martial arts background includes black belts in Karate, Hapkido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, illustrating his commitment and versatility in the sport.

Family Life

Robert Whittaker is a dedicated family man who skillfully balances his demanding MMA career with his responsibilities as a father to three children. His wife, Sofia, and their children serve as his primary source of inspiration and strength.

Whittaker often shares moments from their family life on social media, emphasizing the notable role his family plays in his life. His upbringing in a close-knit family environment has shaped his strong work ethic and commitment to the sport of MMA.

He frequently credits his family as his main motivation for success, particularly during challenging times in his career. Whittaker’s ability to manage a rigorous training schedule while fulfilling family responsibilities illustrates his steadfast dedication to both his profession and his loved ones.

Career

Robert Whittaker, known as “The Reaper,” began his professional MMA career in 2009, making a notable impact upon his UFC debut on December 16, 2012.

He quickly emerged as a top contender in the middleweight division, demonstrating his striking skills and earning the UFC Middleweight Championship on July 8, 2017.

Whittaker is celebrated for his impressive striking statistics, averaging 4.54 notable strikes landed per minute with a striking accuracy of 43%.

His exciting fighting style has garnered him multiple performance bonuses, including a $50,000 Fight of the Night award for his memorable battle against Yoel Romero at UFC 225, solidifying his reputation as one of the elite fighters in the sport.

Net Worth

Robert Whittaker’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million USD, primarily derived from his career earnings of approximately $905,000 USD in MMA.

His financial success is further improved by notable bonuses, including a $50,000 Fight of the Night award.

In his career, Whittaker has drawn salaries of $300,000 for his fight against Yoel Romero at UFC 225, $150,000 for facing Luke Rockhold, $100,000 for his bout with Derek Brunson, $120,000 against Jacare Souza, and $200,000 for his fight with Derek Brunson in their rematch.

His accomplishments in the UFC’s middleweight division, along with sponsorships and media appearances, solidify his status as one of the top fighters in the sport.