What’s Next for the ‘Reaper’?
In the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi, we witnessed the arrival of a new Middleweight contender. Reinier de Ridder defeated former Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker via split decision in a razor-close fight. For de Ridder, it was the biggest win of his career, officially launching the Dutchman into the upper ranks of the Middleweight Division. However, as de Ridder realized the greatest win of his MMA career, ‘The Reaper’ suffered yet another setback. After suffering his third defeat in his last five bouts, many fans are wondering what could be next for Robert Whittaker.
In 2014, Robert Whittaker made the best decision of his career. After beginning his UFC career as a Welterweight, finding mixed success, Whittaker would make the move up to the 185-pound division. Whittaker would go on a tear, defeating names like Uriah Hall, Derek Brunson, and Jacare Souza. Whittaker's 7-0 start in the Middleweight Division would culminate in a UFC Championship after defeating Yoel Romero at UFC 213. However, Whittaker’s reign as Middleweight Champion would end without a single defense as he would be thoroughly dominated by Israel Adesanya within two rounds at UFC 243.
The loss to Adesanya would send Whittaker on a mission to recapture the Middleweight Championship. One he is still on today. Whittaker would go on a three-fight win streak, defeating serious contenders en route to a rematch with Adesanya, one he would fall short in. The rematch with Adesanya would be the last time Whittaker would compete in a championship fight, as he would then become the gatekeeper of the Middleweight Division.
Robert Whittaker is no doubt capable of remaining at the top of the Middleweight Division. When looking at his last five fights, he has only lost to the best of the best. Dricus Du Plessis, Khamzat Chimaev, and now Reinier de Ridder are some of the best fighters the 185 lb Division has to offer. Despite the extremely close fight Whittaker had with de Ridder, he looked considerably worse than he had in the past. Whittaker’s conditioning failed him, preventing him from mounting any considerable offense over de Ridder. Perhaps Whittaker’s days of title contention are behind him, but he can still hang with the best of the Middleweight Division. Expect Whittaker to compete against lower-ranked Middleweights in his next fights.
