On Saturday, Robert Whittaker dropped a split decision to a fast-rising Reinier de Ridder in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi. The result may be contentious to some, but a loss is still a loss, and the former middleweight champion thus finds himself on a two-fight losing streak.
This is the second time it has happened in Whittaker’s entire career, but his first at 185. It represents a stark contrast from when he rattled off eight straight wins from 2014 to 2018 and claimed the title.
More importantly, it leaves an important question: where does he go from here?
Before delving into Whittaker’s future, one must first understand how snake-bitten his reign was.
Whittaker can be considered one of an unlucky group of “accidental” champions – those who rose to the top via being in the right place at the wrong time. Initially winning an interim title, he was elevated to full status after Georges St. Pierre was forced to vacate due to ulcerative colitis.
The ensuing reign saw no defenses for various reasons before Israel Adesanya finally ended it. A rematch had the same result – Whittaker lost.
That second loss must have shaken Whittaker’s confidence somewhat, as he became just a statistic in a reign that some thought he would have. He won more fights to remain in the hunt, but then it happened.
A first-round submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev did not just solidify “Borz” as the next top contender; it also set Whittaker way back. He did not just lose; he was routed. If he was this easy to beat in a regular bout, what more so in one with a title on the line?
This leads back to Whittaker’s current situation. He is expected to lose many spots when the rankings are updated in a few days. Even if he won, he would still be a long way from the title, since the current king, Dricus Du Plessis, and Chimaev have beaten him.
Whittaker now finds himself having to gatekeep until an opportunity arises, but it is not too late. He has at least a couple of options that should get him back on track.
Anthony Hernandez and Roman Dolidze will clash in two weeks, and Whittaker should slot just above or below both men. Regardless of how that fight plays out, either of them would be an ideal next step for him as he assesses his fighting future.
Another intriguing option is Brendan Allen, who is coming off a win over Vettori last week at UFC 318. “All In” is only 29, yet he feels like a veteran after enduring many ups and downs in the Octagon. Defeating a former champion like Whittaker will do wonders for his career.
Looking back, one can argue that Whittaker never had a proper reign as middleweight champion. Circumstances beyond his control prevented him from proving his greatness, and the one chance he had to do so, he was violently ousted from his throne. He fought his way back to an opportunity to regain his crown, but failed to do so.
Now, at 35 years of age and with new and younger contenders on the rise, Whittaker may be running out of time to relive his heyday. From here on, he will need to be perfect if he wants to regain his throne.
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