Robert John Whittaker is a New Zealand-born Australian professional mixed martial artist.
He currently competes in the Middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a former UFC Middleweight Champion.
A professional MMA competitor since 2009, Whittaker was a contestant on the first series of The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes and won the welterweight tournament.
You can follow Robert Whittaker’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more here.
Robert Whittaker’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full name | Robert John Whittaker |
| Nickname | The Reaper |
| Birth date | 20 December, 1990 |
| Height | 6′ 0″ |
| Weight | 185 lbs |
| Birthplace | Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Current net worth | $4 million |
| Relationship status | Married |
| Wife | Sofia Whittaker |
| Instagram profile | @robwhittakermma |
Robert Whittaker was born on 20 December 1990 in Otahuhu, Auckland, New Zealand. When he was 11, his family moved to Menai in Sydney’s south.
He is a New Zealand-born Australian mixed martial artist who has significantly impacted the UFC Middleweight division.
Early Career
Robert Whittaker’s athletic career began at a young age, starting with Junior Rugby League when he was only 5.
His natural ability and tenacious drive were evident from an early age, regardless of the sport he committed to.
When Robert was 7, his father, Jack, enrolled him in “Go Ju-Ryu” Karate. After years of refining his skills, Robert received his Junior black belt at 14.
Robert excelled in Rugby League until he was 18, when he played in 2 grand finals for Kingsgrove Colts and in the NRL.
However, his early enrolment in martial arts eventually led him to his true calling.
Professional Career
Robert Whittaker’s professional career in mixed martial arts (MMA) began in 2009, marking the start of a highly successful tenure in the sport.
Whittaker’s prowess in the octagon led him to The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes, a reality television series and MMA competition, where he emerged victorious in the welterweight tournament.
His success on the show earned him a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the premier MMA organization.
Whittaker initially competed in the UFC’s welterweight division but eventually moved up to middleweight, where he found even greater success.
He became the interim middleweight champion at UFC 213 and was later promoted to undisputed after Georges St-Pierre vacated the title.
Wife
Robert Whittaker is married to Sofia Whittaker. They started dating in 2011 and have been together for over a decade.
They got engaged in 2013 and tied the knot the following year.
Robert Whittaker’s Net Worth Details
Robert Whittaker’s net worth is estimated to be $4 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his prize money as a professional MMA fighter, endorsements, and other sources.
Fight Purses
Robert Whittaker is a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter with a successful career and significant earnings. His total MMA-recorded fight earnings amount to $3,156,000.
His biggest payout was against Yoel Romero at UFC 225, where he earned $660,000.
| Event | Date | Opponent | Result | Total Earnings |
| UFC on FX: Sotiropoulos vs Pearson | 15 December, 2012 | Brad Scott | W | $26,000 |
| UFC 160 | 25 May, 2013 | Colton Smith | W | $40,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Condit vs Kampmann | 28 August, 2013 | Court McGee | L | $25,000 |
| UFC 197 | 23 April, 2016 | Rafael Natal | W | $65,000 |
| UFC 225 | 9 June, 2018 | Yoel Romero | W | $610,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs Till | 25 July, 2020 | Darren Till | W | $360,000 |
| UFC 254 | 24 October, 2020 | Jared Cannonier | W | $385,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs Gastelum | 17 April, 2021 | Kelvin Gastelum | W | $456,000 |
| UFC 271 | 12 February, 2022 | Adesanya | L | $382,000 |
Endorsement
Several global companies endorse Whittaker, including Reebok, Venum, ReaperGear, Sport at Crown, Musashi Sports Nutrition, GOAT CREW, Transcending Organics, and UniBet Australia.
Other sponsors include Bethesda, Sweet Central, Live Athletic, Rival Sports Management, Stand Strong Boxing, and Kaplan.
Career Stats
| Total Fights | Wins | Losses |
| 32 | 25 | 7 |
FAQs
Who is Robert Whittaker?
Robert Whittaker is an Australian professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight division. He is a former UFC Middleweight Champion.
What are some of Robert Whittaker’s notable achievements in UFC?
Robert Whittaker won and successfully defended the UFC Middleweight Championship in 2017. He has also earned multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses.
How did Robert Whittaker start his MMA career?
Robert Whittaker began his MMA career in 2009. He gained prominence after winning the welterweight tournament of “The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes” in 2012.
What is Robert Whittaker’s fighting style?
Robert Whittaker is known for his striking skills, particularly boxing and kickboxing.
He also has a black belt in Hapkido and a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, making him a versatile fighter.
Has Robert Whittaker ever fought in a weight class other than Middleweightight?
Yes, Robert Whittaker initially competed in the Welterweight division before moving up to Middleweight, where he found more success and eventually became the champion.
Where is Robert Whittaker from?
Robert Whittaker was born in Auckland, New Zealand, and moved to Australia at a young age. He represents Australia in his professional fighting career.
What are some of Robert Whittaker’s hobbies outside of fighting?
Robert Whittaker enjoys gaming and is an avid video game enthusiast. He also participates in grappling competitions occasionally.
Has Robert Whittaker received any awards or recognitions?
In addition to his UFC titles and fight bonuses, Robert Whittaker was nominated for the Don Award, one of Australia’s most prestigious sporting honors, in 2018.
What is Robert Whittaker’s record in professional MMA?
As of 2024, Robert Whittaker’s professional MMA record includes numerous wins, many of which have come by knockout or decision.
Is Robert Whittaker involved in any charitable activities?
Robert Whittaker is known to participate in community service and charitable events, particularly those that benefit children and young athletes in Australia.
