5 best Robert Whittaker performances in the UFC

Robert Whittaker is one of the most skilled, well-rounded and likable fighters on the UFC roster.

The Australian joined the world's premier MMA organization in 2012 after winning The Ultimate Fighter and initially competed in the welterweight division. After putting together a 3-2 run at 170 lbs, he opted to move up to middleweight in 2014. He has since lost just twice at 185 lbs.

Here are the five best performances by Robert Whittaker in the UFC.

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#5. Robert Whittaker vs. Yoel Romero 1 – UFC 213

At UFC 213, Robert Whittaker had his first shot at UFC gold. He took on Cuban powerhouse Yoel Romero for the interim belt as Michael Bisping, the champion, was sidelined with injuries.

The first round was a back-and-forth affair, with Romero landing occasionally and Whittaker doing his best to stay out of trouble. The Cuban edged out the Australian in the second, taking him down and causing damage on top.

The third saw Whittaker make a comeback. 'The Reaper' effectively used his striking to control and win the round. The fourth was more of the same, with the Aussie dominating the standup and Romero clearly out of gas.

In the fifth round, both fighters traded bombs with the fight seemingly even. At one point, Romero slipped and Whittaker pounced on top of him. With both middleweights noticeably fatigued, Whittaker maintained top position for the rest of the round to come away with a unanimous decision victory.

Interestingly, after the fight, it was revealed that Robert Whittaker tore a ligament in his knee in the very first round of the fight.

The fact that he managed to get through the fight and come away with a win against an explosive fighter like Yoel Romero is testament to 'The Reaper's' toughness, durability and heart.

Watch the highlights of the fight below:

#4. Robert Whittaker vs. Kelvin Gastelum – UFC Vegas 24

Robert Whittaker took a year-long hiatus following his disappointing KO loss to Israel Adesanya at UFC 243. In the months after his devastating defeat against 'The Last Stylebender', it was revealed that Whittaker was "burnt out" and seemingly out of love for the sport.

He made a successful return to action against Darren Till in 2020 and returned to the win column with a unanimous decision victory. He subsequently beat top contender Jared Cannonier to solidify his status as the clear second-best fighter in the middleweight division behind Adesanya, the reigning champ.

Whittaker would've received a title shot on the back of his wins over Till and Cannonier, but opted to take on one more fight before considering a rematch with Adesanya. The Australian took on Kelvin Gastelum in the main event of UFC Vegas 24.

Robert Whittaker put in a masterful performance against Kelvin Gastelum. Whittaker was clearly the quicker fighter and beat Gastelum to the punch in all the striking exchanges. The Aussie mixed in takedowns and delivered a steady dose of kicks to the legs and body.

Gastelum connected at times, but struggled to string together combinations. He had trouble with the movement and range of the former champion and for every strike he landed, Whittaker landed two or three.

Gastelum was outclassed throughout the fight, but continued to press forward. The bout went the distance, but it was a convincing win for Whittaker. 'The Reaper' dominated every round en route to a unanimous decision victory.

Soon after his masterful display against Kelvin Gastelum, Robert Whittaker called for a shot at the title and a rematch against Israel Adesanya.

Whittaker's performance showed that he is the clear-cut No.1 contender at 185 lbs.

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#3. Robert Whittaker vs. Brad Tavares – UFC Fight Night 65

At UFC Fight Night: Miocic vs. Hunt in 2015, Robert Whittaker squared off against Brad Tavares in the co-main event. Both fighters were looking to climb the ranks at middleweight and the winner was expected to break into the top 10 at 185 lbs.

Many believed it would be a competitive fight, considering both fighters' reputations for being incredibly durable.

The fight lasted just 44 seconds as Whittaker pieced up Tavares with his impeccable striking. 'The Reaper' secured a TKO finish inside the first minute to pick up his second straight victory in the middleweight division.

Whittaker's statement-making win over Tavares set the tone for his run in the middleweight division. Additionally, he started garnering a cult following among MMA fans for his all-action approach and anti-wrestling style of fighting.

Watch his post-fight interview with Jon Anik below:

#2. Robert Whittaker vs. Ronaldo Souza – UFC on FOX 24

Robert Whittaker was among the hottest prospects in the UFC's middleweight division in 2017. The Australian, who was ranked No.6 at the time, was looking to break into the top 5 at 185 lbs when he took on grappling legend Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza at UFC on FOX 24.

Souza, a multitime Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion, was ranked No.3 at the time and was expected to get a title shot with a win. The legendary Brazilian was the betting favorite going into the bout as the oddsmakers and fans believed the discrepency in grappling prowess would be too much for Whittaker.

However, the bout that ensued left fans stunned as Whittaker managed to stuff Souza's takedown attempts. He fought an incredibly mature fight against the experienced veteran and systematically picked him apart on the feet.

In the second round, Whittaker swarmed on Souza with a flurry of punches. A perfectly placed head kick stunned the Brazilian and 'The Reaper' capitalized. He secured a TKO finish to make his way into the middleweight division's top 5.

Watch the full fight below:

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#1. Robert Whittaker vs. Derek Brunson – UFC Fight Night 101

Robert Whittaker's toughest test en route to his first title shot came against MMA veteran Derek Brunson. Brunson was among the best wrestlers in the division and posed a tricky stylistic matchup for Whittaker, who was looking to break into the top 10 at 185 lbs.

Additionally, this would be the first time Whittaker would headline a fight card in his home country of Australia. He locked horns with Brunson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 101, which went down at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

The duo put on a barnbuner of a fight for as long as it lasted. Whittaker survived the early onslaught from Brunson to secure a come-from-behind knockout victory.

Chasing down the finish, Brunson ran straight into a left hand and a head-kick. The American crumbled to the canvas before Whittaker closed the show with some ground strikes. The referee called a stop to the action at the 4:07 mark of the very first round.

Their bout ended up winning the 'Fight of the Night' honors, while Whittaker came away with a 'Performance of the Night' bonus as well.

Watch the full fight below: