In a recent podcast episode, Australian MMA star Robert Whittaker offered an in-depth look into his life and career, sharing candid insights on everything from family dynamics to the evolution of MMA. Here are some highlights from the conversation:
Post-Fight Reflections
Whittaker, fresh off a notable victory, opened up about the whirlwind of post-fight press rounds. He humorously noted, "When you win, everybody wants a piece of you." However, what stood out was his excitement about taking his kids to their first live UFC event in Australia. "They've never been to a UFC, so I can't wait, especially with the home crowd. It's going to be a special experience for them," he shared.
Balancing Fighting and Family Life
The conversation touched on how his children view his career. While they watch him on TV, they've yet to see him fight live. "They've never seen me live. I'm hoping they watch me live at least once before my career's up," Whittaker revealed. He also mentioned the importance of not giving power to the possibility of losing by voicing it, highlighting a positive approach to his sport.
Evolution of MMA in Australia
Whittaker reminisced about the early days of MMA in Australia, describing a scene that was vastly different from today. "The sport was relatively new here. There was no amateur scene; we fought in the halftime of Muay Thai shows in car parks, bringing our own gloves and making up rules as we went." He credited the UFC for significantly expanding the sport's reach, saying, "The UFC has made MMA accessible globally, and that's no different here. There are more UFC fighters from Australia than ever."
The Struggles of Weight Cuts
One of the most challenging aspects of his career, Whittaker recounted, was managing weight cuts. "There was no information on how to do it right. My early weight cuts were crazy—like only drinking milk and eating salad, or spending six hours in a sauna. It was all touch and go."
Inspirations and Aspirations
Despite his accolades, Whittaker remains humble, drawing inspiration from his father rather than other fighters. "I've always wanted to make my dad proud," he shared. Looking ahead, his goal is clear: "I want to be remembered as the best middleweight to have ever lived."
Whittaker also expressed a desire to avenge previous losses, particularly against Drikus Du Plessis and Israel Adesanya. "I'd rather take it off Drikus. I feel like I let myself down in our first pairing and want to make amends."
Conclusion
To hear more about Robert Whittaker's journey, his thoughts on MMA, and what motivates him, tune in to the full podcast episode. It's a must-listen for fans and anyone interested in the life of one of Australia's top MMA fighters.
