Former UFC Middleweight Champion Whittaker Suffers Second Consecutive Loss in Abu Dhabi

Robert Whittaker, the former UFC middleweight champion, has vowed to continue his fighting career despite a narrow split decision loss to Reinier de Ridder in UFC Abu Dhabi, marking his second consecutive defeat for the first time since 2014. Whittaker acknowledged his disappointment but remains determined, emphasizing that this setback is merely a learning opportunity as he plans to return to training and competition. He congratulated de Ridder for executing a successful game plan and expressed a strong desire to fight again, ideally in his home country of Australia, where he has not competed recently. At 34 years old with a 26-9 record, Whittaker faces a challenging path back to title contention amid rising contenders but remains optimistic about his future in the sport. The UFC's upcoming event in Perth this September could provide an opportunity for his return, and Whittaker is focused on recovery and preparation for his next fight. Fans and analysts note that despite recent losses, Whittaker's competitive spirit and experience keep him in the mix for significant bouts ahead.