Why UFC fighter Robert Whittaker refuses to trash talk his opponents
MMA champ Connor McGregor may have made trash talking his UFC opponents a sport in itself, but Robert Whittaker refuses to play that game for three important reasons.
Confidential
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UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker refuses to trash-talk his opponents because he wants to set a good example to his young children.
Whittaker, who will fight Israel Adesanya at UFC 243 in the event’s headline match at Marvel Stadium this weekend, told Confidential: “I don’t think not trash-talking gives me strength as a fighter. It’s just a good thing to do as a human. I always aim to set a good example as a positive role model for my kids.”
The NZ-born Australia-based fighter, and wife Sofia, have two sons, and a daughter.
“The example I want to set for them is a man who loves his family, works hard, and wants to be happy,” Whittaker said.
Whittaker has been open about his battles with depression.
“It’s something I’ve always had,” he said.
“I just couldn’t identify what it was. But it affects everybody. It’s really important to surround yourself with good people, and more importantly, identify it.”
Asked what he thought of a giant billboard at Marvel Stadium bearing his image, he laughed: “I look at that poster and think it’s just a picture. Pffft. They could’ve given me a haircut!”
Meanwhile, a US documentary crew is shadowing Whittaker as he prepares for his headline bout in Melbourne.
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The filmmakers, Jonathan Vassallo and Andre Lomov, of Stormbringer, say the project will be a broad study of Whittaker’s life, including his Maori roots.
“He really channels that Maori warrior mentality,” Mr Lomov said.
“He’s very charming and nice, but his mental game has a laser focus.”