Should Robert Whittaker Retire?

Caio Borralho, the UFC middleweight, believes that Robert Whittaker could be getting closer to retirement after his recent losses.

Whittaker, who suffered defeats to Khamzat Chimaev (October 2024, UFC 308) and Reinier de Ridder (July 26), has faced questions about whether he still has what it takes to compete at the elite level. In his loss to Chimaev, Whittaker endured a serious jaw injury, as he was submitted in the first round. The damage left him needing significant dental repairs.

The loss to Reinier de Ridder was his second in a row, further raising doubts about his future in the sport. While that may be the case, Whittaker could continue by moving up to light heavyweight. However, Borralho does not see that happening, feeling that Whittaker is nearing the final stages of his time in MMA.

“He’s) one of the GOATs in the middleweight (division). But right now, I feel that it seems like he doesn’t want to be there anymore. His face says that. His body expressions say that. I don’t think he wants to go there and do, like, a five-round war again. I don’t believe that. With all due respect to him, I’m a big fan – but right now, it’s just not his moment anymore. I think he’s very close to retire or something like that,” Borralho said

The Future

Nevertheless, there is an argument that Whittaker should continue his career. Even with his losses, Whittaker has shown flashes of the elite skill set that made him a champion. The split decision loss to de Ridder was a competitive fight, proving he can still go toe-to-toe with the best in the world. He also holds recent wins over top-level fighters like Ikram Aliskerov and Paulo Costa. 

Whittaker has also been open about his desire for a few more fights to secure one last title shot and retire on top. His plan to fight four more times, potentially avenging losses to Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, shows he is still motivated. The latter two face off in a middleweight title bout, as he could try to push for the bout, even if he is lower down the pecking order. 

“Four fights. I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I see—yeah—four. I want four more. That’s me. I see the stepping stones needed to do what I want to do. Four fights gets me into that title shot, gets me into a position to, you know, finish on top—to have that fairytale ending. So mate, I’m working towards it,” Whittaker said