Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images

Former UFC champion changes direction on comeback he was ‘longing for’ to target the White House

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 10:24 AM ET

Robert Whittaker has reassessed his UFC return after initially aiming for one specific event.

Following a defeat in July, Whittaker was brutally honest about his title ambitions now that he’s 34 years old.

The former UFC middleweight champion had originally hoped to put together one last run to the belt before hanging up his gloves.

There was still one target that Whittaker had in mind after his controversial split decision loss to Reinier de Ridder in Abu Dhabi.

However, ‘The Reaper’ has revealed why he’s recently changed his focus.

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Robert Whittaker explains why he’s not targeting a UFC return in Australia anymore

Despite suffering losses to the likes of Reinier de Ridder, Khamzat Chimaev, and Dricus du Plessis in recent years, Robert Whittaker is still a highly regarded middleweight.

Rather than working his way back into the title picture, ‘The Reaper’ had stated after his latest outing that he wanted to fight in front of his home fans again in Australia.

However, speaking on Fox Sports Australia’s ‘main event’, Whittaker said that planning for a February return is no longer his goal.

“You know what, I want to, my head wants to but I just don’t think it’s going to happen. I’m having a baby, it’s due in a few weeks and I want to be there for that period. I want to be there for that period, I want to be there for my kids during Christmas. I don’t want to be in camp during this period, I’ve missed a lot of them.”

He did name a different location that would interest him; with Whittaker joining the list of top stars that want to compete at the White House in June of 2026.

An opponent that Whittaker has been targeting for some time is unsurprisingly his desired opponent for this huge event.

“I would love to fight Sean Strickland in front of the White House. For one, I think that’s going to be a monumental occasion. When are you ever going to be able to fight in front of the White House ever again? But, I’ve been trying to fight Sean for the longest of times just because I like that fight. We’ve been in the same circles for a while.”

Sean Strickland named a different opponent for his Octagon return

Unfortunately for Robert Whittaker, it still doesn’t seem like Sean Strickland is overly interested in fighting him anytime soon.

The former UFC middleweight champion recently told MMA Junkie that Anthony Hernandez would be his ideal opponent following his current suspension.

“I want to fight somebody like ‘Fluffy’ [Hernandez]. Fluffy puts me in title contention. Especially with him, because all he does, he’s like the American Chimaev… Go beat your cans and then let me know when you’re ready.”

Whatever way the UFC’s middleweight division ends up being matched, there are some big fights on the horizon for the top names.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: