Sydney's Robert Whittaker to fight Court McGee in UFC fight night 27 in Indianapolis

ROBERT Whittaker, a Sydney rail employee only months ago, is now on the cusp of challenging for the title of Australia’s most promising young fighter.

Robert Whittaker

ROBERT Whittaker, a Sydney rail employee only months ago, is now on the cusp of challenging for the title of Australia’s most promising young fighter.

Undefeated in two UFC bouts, 22-year-old Whittaker will be gunning for a third when he challenges popular American welterweight Court McGee in Indianapolis this Thursday morning (Australian time).

Unlike some of his boxing counterparts, content to build undefeated records from home against questionable rivals, Whittaker is earning his reputation Stateside where he’s already won a US debut against
The Ultimate Fighter 16 winner Colton Smith in May.

“I’ve heard that some (Aussie) boxers even have a fight ‘policy’,” Whittaker told The Daily Telegraph from his US camp.

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“Working up a certain number of easy wins to create this big undefeated record.

“But really, I don’t have any comment to make about that. My philosophy is fight anyone, anywhere.

“If you’re going to be the best then you’re going to have to beat them all so why pick and chose? Basically, when someone says fight, I fight.”

After winning the inaugural season of reality TV series The Smashes: Australia v Great Britain, Whittaker has quickly proved himself to be anything but a gimmick.

Having already upset Smith, via TKO in the third round, he now steps up to face American fan favourite McGee, the reformed alcoholic and heroin addict who won The Ultimate Fighter 11.

“Court McGee is definitely a name worth fighting, and beating,’’ Whittaker said.

“Everyone knows that, while his skills set is quite diverse, he likes to win fights on his feet. And given I like striking as much as any other Australian mixed martial artist, I think it will make for a great fight.”