Robert Whittaker, after losing a close split decision to Reinier de Ridder at UFC Abu Dhabi, expressed his determination to learn from the experience, return to the gym, and eventually fight again, ideally in Australia.
Robert Whittaker is holding his head high, as usual. The former middleweight champion faced a setback this past Saturday at UFC Abu Dhabi, losing a close split decision to Reinier de Ridder.
Whittaker battled de Ridder for a full 25 minutes. He even scored a dramatic knockdown in the third round. Yet, with a pair of 48-47 scores, “The Dutch Knight” claimed victory.
On Tuesday, Whittaker took to Instagram to share his thoughts on the loss. “I’m disappointed, but I’m not disheartened,” he said. “There are a lot of things I liked about the fight, but a lot of things I didn’t.”
He plans to analyze the fight with his team. “I’m going to take it all, head back to the gym… and then get back on the horse. That’s all you can do.”
Whittaker also congratulated de Ridder, acknowledging his game plan. “It is what it is sometimes, but yeah, I’m going to learn from this experience and move forward.”
At 34, Whittaker has now lost consecutive fights for the first time since 2014. He hoped to rebound from a recent submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev, but fell short despite strong moments.
With a title shot further away, fans and critics might wonder about Whittaker’s future. Yet, he’s determined to return, ideally in Australia.
“This isn’t the end of Robert Whittaker,” he declared. “This is just another learning curve, another speed bump.”
He plans to spend time with family, rest, and recover. “I’d love to fight here again. It’s time.”