After more than a decade of competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts, Australian UFC great Robert Whittaker has openly acknowledged that he is dealing with the harsh realities of burnout. Following consecutive losses to elite contenders Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder, the former middleweight champion has stepped away from the octagon and placed his long-term health and family above the relentless grind of professional fighting.
Whittaker’s most recent bout — a narrow and painful split-decision defeat to de Ridder in July — appears to have been a turning point. While the proud competitor initially tried to push through the emotional weight of back-to-back losses, he soon realised the toll it had taken. Now 34 and a father of six, the Auckland-born star has hit pause on his fighting career, committing to time away from the gym and the constant pressure of preparing for world-class opposition.
The losses, although challenging, tell only part of the story. Whittaker has been a fixture in the UFC’s elite for years, consistently battling the world’s best in both championship fights and top-contender matchups. His remarkable résumé — highlighted by a world title and a reputation as one of the division’s most respected technicians — speaks to the immense mental and physical load he has shouldered.
During a candid conversation with Nine’s Today, Whittaker revealed that the birth of his sixth child played a significant role in reevaluating his priorities. While he has always managed to balance fatherhood with the obligations of training camps, this time the situation felt different. He acknowledged that the combination of the latest defeat, ongoing mental fatigue, and the need to support his wife through labour made stepping back a necessity.
"I jumped back into the gym [after losing to de Ridder] and started moving around and I realised burnout is real," Whittaker said, offering a rare and honest look at the internal battles that fighters often keep hidden.
"I started feeling that burnout, feeling like things needed to change. I wasn't really happy with the prep last time and I wasn't enjoying it as much as I had.”
His decision to take a break wasn’t driven by a lack of desire to fight, but rather an acceptance that pushing forward without proper rest would be counterproductive. After years of constant training camps, international travel, media duties, and high-pressure bouts, the mental strain built up quietly until it could no longer be ignored.
“So I was like you know what, I'm gonna step aside from the game and have a bit of a break and just be there, especially with my wife so close to labour. Every other time, I have been in camp during labour … this time, I have been in full dad mode,” he said.
The change in perspective appears to have done wonders for his wellbeing, with Whittaker admitting that reconnecting with daily family life has brought him a renewed sense of peace.
“It's been great for me, my soul feels reinvigorated and I feel hungry again."
For fans, the uncertainty surrounding his next fight has created a mix of anticipation and concern. Whittaker — boasting a professional record of 26-9 — remains one of Australia’s most accomplished UFC athletes. Alongside Alexander Volkanovski and Jack Della Maddalena, he is one of only three Australians to have ever captured UFC gold, a testament to his legacy in the sport.
With Volkanovski scheduled to defend his featherweight belt against Diego Lopes in Sydney early next year, many hoped Whittaker would join the pay-per-view event. However, he was quick to shut down any speculation about an early return.
"Not in February, I don't think there's enough time for me to prepare properly," he stated, confirming he will attend the event but not as a competitor.
"I am going to be there, lurking around with Volk headlining. It's an Australian card, so there's going to be a lot of Australian fighters and I cannot wait, it's gonna be awesome."
Although sidelined, Whittaker remains ranked in the top 10 of the middleweight division, and one potential matchup that continues to attract attention is a long-awaited showdown with outspoken contender Sean Strickland. The clash of styles — and personalities — would undoubtedly draw massive interest worldwide, but Whittaker has made it clear that no future fight will be considered until he feels fully ready.
For now, his attention is firmly on his growing family. Despite welcoming their sixth child, Whittaker made it clear that he and his wife are stopping at six.
"Definitely not, we were happy with two," he joked.
"She's an absolute weapon, I couldn't be prouder of her. My family is growing and everyone is happy, all the kids are old enough to care … it's amazing."
Whittaker’s transparency about burnout highlights an issue that extends far beyond the octagon. In a sport where toughness is often equated with silence, his willingness to speak about mental exhaustion offers a refreshing reminder that even world-class athletes are human. With many fighters struggling privately through similar pressures, his comments may resonate deeply within the MMA community.
What comes next for the former world champion remains unclear, but one thing is certain: he is not done. Whittaker’s competitive fire still burns — now resting, but not extinguished. Once he returns, fans can expect a rejuvenated and fully focused version of “The Reaper,” ready to chase redemption on his terms.
Until that day arrives, Robert Whittaker is embracing fatherhood, healing from burnout, and rediscovering why he fell in love with fighting in the first place.
