Robert Whittaker gives timetable for retirement, ‘fairy tale ending’

Robert Whittaker knows how he wants to close out his storied career.

“The Reaper” is currently scheduled to fight Reinier de Ridder in the July 26 main event of UFC Abu Dhabi. Whittaker vs. de Ridder is a key matchup in the middleweight division, with Whittaker being a former UFC champion and de Ridder having gone 3-0 since joining the promotion in 2024.

Should Whittaker defeat de Ridder, he’s still likely several fights away from earning a title shot, a fact he’s well aware of. Speaking to FOX Sports Australia, Whittaker laid out his dream retirement scenario.

“Four fights,” Whittaker said. “I see the light at the end of the tunnel. I want four more, that’s me. I see the stepping stones needed to do what I want to do. Four fights gets me into that title shot, gets me into a position to finish on top, to have that fairy tale ending. I’m working towards it.”