Rob Whittaker fighter diary: I’m ready to dance

IN THE first of a series of diary entries ahead of Melbourne’s UFC 193, Aussie fighter Rob Whittaker talks about his preparations and motivations.

07/05/15 Australian UFC fighter Robert Whittaker in the city ahead of Adelaide's first UFC Fight Night at the Entertainment Centre on Sunday. photo Calum Robertson

SHORTLY after my last fight in Adelaide, my world had changed.

It wasn’t that I had established myself as a legit middleweight contender in the UFC. It wasn’t because the win had confirmed to me the positive changes to my training. It wasn’t even the $50K bonus I picked up as a result of my left hook clipping Brad Tavares’ jaw.

Shortly after the fight my wife Sofia and I welcomed to the world our first child, Jack, named after my old man, his grandfather.

Anyone who’s got kids can relate to that special feeling. Your children instantly become the centre of your world.

Back at training, I find myself working harder and harder every day. Most people think it’s because I’m now a father and have a family to provide for. That’s not it.

When I think about my son and how he will one day think of me, I want him to be proud of all of my accomplishments — in and outside the UFC Octagon. I want him to see me achieve in all aspects of life, not only what I’m able to achieve in MMA.

UFC Adelaide back in May was a huge leap forward career-wise for me. Before the fight I had started to implement new aspects into the training and fight camp and it is all paying off. It’s given me so much confidence in the way I train and the team I have around me.

A month out from the fight and I feel with this team that my game is developing and I’ve improved tremendously as a fighter.

Rob Whittaker says he’s ready for anything.

I still train at Padstow PMA under Henry Perez, my first ever coach in martial arts. And I’ve added more positive influencers into my team. My wrestling, jiu-jitsu and overall fight games have been developed by Fabricio Itte and Alex Prates at Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Smeaton Grange.

I’m also working with Justin Fitzgerald on my boxing, who’s allowing me to free up my hands and sharpen those skills.

I was so pumped to get that fight against Michael Bisping for UFC 193.

What a huge stepping stone in the middleweight division. I knew instantly it was a fight I wanted, I was excited for and exciting for the fans.

UFC know that when I go out there I put on a show. But sadly it’s not going to be against Bisping, who’s had to withdraw with an injury.

When Uriah Hall was announced as Bisping’s replacement, it changed nothing.

You put anyone in there and I’ll dance with them. Put them in last week, last day, last minute — doesn’t matter to me one bit. I’ll be ready.

Robert Whittaker will face Uriah Hall at UFC 193 at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium on Sunday, November 15. Tickets on-sale now at Ticketmaster.

To watch UFC 193 order now on MAIN EVENT or click here.

Originally published as Rob Whittaker fighter diary: I’m ready to dance