Robert Whittaker has surprisingly ruled himself out of what is being whispered as a blockbuster Australian UFC card this summer – suggesting he could potentially throw down on the White House lawn instead.
As first revealed by Fox Sports Australia, UFC executives are expected to bring a huge event to Sydney next February in what will be one of the first shows under the company’s new $7.7 billion broadcasting deal.
While UFC featherweight champ Alexander Volkanovski is expected to headline the card, a number of other local fighters have previously raised their hands to be included, among them Whittaker, Tai Tuivasa and Jimmy Crute.
However speaking with Main Event’s Niko Pajarillo this week, Whittaker now says he likely won’t compete so early into 2026, given he and wife Sofia are expecting their sixth child in only a matter of weeks.
UFC 321: Aspinall vs Gane | SUN 26 OCT 5AM AEDT |The Heavyweight belt is on the line as undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall makes his first title defence against former interim champion Ciryl Gane, in Abu Dhabi. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
The fighter dubbed ‘Bobby Knuckles’ added that rather than going into camp through Christmas, he would rather spend the time with his new bub and the rest of his young family.
Asked initially by Pajarillo if his immediate plans were still to fight on what shapes as a huge Down Under event, Whittaker replied: “I want to. And my head wants to.
“But I just don’t think it’s going to happen.
“We have a baby due in a few weeks and I want to be there for that period.
“I want to be there for my kids during Christmas.
“I’ve missed a lot of them.
“[Laughs] Granted, I’ve had a lot of kids.
“But my heart is just telling me I don’t want to be in camp during this period. That period with the new baby, introducing it to the family, Christmas … I’ll be at the card for sure, but I’ll probably be a little later down the track.”
So what chance he and American Sean Strickland fight on the White House card in June then?
“I would love to fight Sean Strickland in front of the White House,” Whittaker continued.
“For one, I think it’s going to be a monumental occasion. When are you ever going to be able to fight in front of the White House ever again?
“But I’ve been trying to fight Sean for the longest of times.
“Just because I like that fight.
“We’ve been in the same circles for a while.
“He’s still ranked three, which puts me right back into a UFC star’s hometown return gone but big Aussie plans on cards after bold White House pitch conversation I want to be part of.
“And I think it would be a fun fight.
“I think it would be a good fight to watch.
“Yeah, I’d love to be on there.”
Speaking with Fox Sports Australia only last month, UFC executive Dave Shaw refused to be drawn on exactly how Australia’s 2026 landscape would look – but didn’t rule out the idea of a huge February card.
Shaw also confirmed there will be at least two UFC shows Down Under next year, but remained tight-lipped on whether one, or both, will be numbered events.
UFC 322: Della Maddalena vs Makhachev | SUN 16 NOV 2PM AEDT | Australia’s own Jack Della Maddalena puts his welterweight title on the line against Pound for Pound great and former lightweight champ Islam Makhachev in a blockbuster night of fights, live from New York City. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports
When whispers of a February event first emerged, it was suggested one option involved Whittaker topping a Fight Night-style event.
It would’ve doubled as The Reaper’s first appearance on home soil in six years – and since dropping the UFC middleweight crown in 2019.
However, discussions then moved to Volkanovski headlining in his hometown on that date – with a rematch against Brazilian Diego Lopes said to be gaining traction ahead of an Ashes showdown against Englishman Lerone Murphy.
“Right now, there are lots of discussions going on,” Shaw said regarding how things look for Australia. “And while we don’t have anything to announce, we are going to be back here at least twice next year.”
Pushed on the idea of an Aussie headlining in Sydney next February, he continued: “We’ve got a really good history of coming to Australia in the summer, and the February timeframe makes a lot of sense for us.
“So you look at that, and who is available to compete … you put those two factors together and it all makes a lot of sense for us.
“I won’t assign a probability but things are lining up nicely for that type of event
“And whether that is a Fight Night or a pay-per-view, we haven’t decided yet.”
Dern gears up for UFC 321 showdown | 07:55
Interviewed around the same time, Whittaker suggested he wanted in.
“I’m pretty sure the UFC is coming back to Sydney in summer,” he said. “And my hand is up to headline in February.
“That timeline definitely works for me.
“My wife is due in November, then it’s Christmas, so February is the perfect time while also giving me the chance to work on a few things.”
And as for potentially sharing a blockbuster numbered event with Volk?
“Well, I know the new UFC broadcasting deal kicks over in January,” he said. “So I don’t think they’re set on what will happen yet to start the year. But I’d definitely like to share a card with Volk.”
However, it now seems likely Whittaker will instead be in attendance as either a fan, or member of the UFC broadcasting team.
Discussion about this post