Why Rob Whittaker is still motivated by coach Alex Prates’ Greg Inglis jibe

Rob Whittaker and his coach Alex Prates share a unique bond, yet Prates’ comparison of him to an NRL great still manages to raise the ire of the UFC star.

Robert Whittaker is one of the best fighters Australia has ever produced. He’s a former world champion, boasts one of the strongest records of any fighter on the planet and is a fan favourite the world over.

He’s grounded, pretty laid back when not in fight camp and doesn’t let much phase him.

But there’s one thing that he’ll still needle his longtime coach and mate Alex Prates about.

Prates has been by Whittaker’s side for just about his whole professional career.

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The Brazilian mentor has also made a huge impact in rugby league as a wrestling coach to the Rabbitohs, Broncos, Panthers and Bulldogs.

His name appears on Penrith’s list of premiership winners after his work under Ivan Cleary.

But it’s a player from his time under Michael Maguire and Souths that Whittaker took exception to.

“Here’s a funny one,” Prates tells this masthead with a grin at the Hilton on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, two days before Whittaker’s UFC 308 fight with Khamzat Chimaev.

“He got upset at me once, because I was asked who the most naturally gifted athlete I’ve ever trained is, and I said Greg Inglis.

“He’s still holding that against me!”

Whittaker (L) and Alex Prates (R) preparing to fight Ikram Aliskerov in June. Picture: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

It’s a rare glimpse into the bond between Whittaker and Prates. It’s a union that has withstood so many ups and downs, challenges, victories and bitter defeats.

“I’ve learned that having people you trust and who have your best interests in mind is one of the most powerful tools you can have,” Whittaker, 32, says of his relationship with Prates.

“The guys I have around me, they’re my team. They not only want me to win the fight, but they want what’s best for me as a person.”

The origins of their bond are lost to time, but Whittaker believes he first met Prates during his stint on The Ultimate Fighter way back in 2012.

Prates says he knew Rob from gyms around Sydney, and came on fulltime as a trainer in 2015.

Prates says Greg Inglis is the most naturally gifted athlete he’s every worked with. Picture: Matt King/Getty Images

Alex Prates, Robert Whittaker and training partners Isi Fitikefu and Jacob Malkoun were recognised as members of Penrith's staff after going back-to-back in 2022. Picture: Supplied/Instagram

People, trainers, mentors and coaches have come and gone since then, but Prates has been there throughout. Although he’s careful not to take all – or, really, any – of the credit.

“It’s not just me, a lot of people have been there since the beginning,” he says. “Training partners Jacob Malkoun and Isi (Fitikefu) have been big.

“Past coaches, Henry (Perez), Fab (Itte), Justin Fitzgerald, they all did a great job. There are a lot of people that deserve a mention, and I was fortunate to learn from these people as well.

“We’ve learned from the good things, and worked on the things we can get better at. It’s a team thing.”

Team Reaper: Whittaker’s dad, Jack, Rob, Prates and boxing coach Brian Doyle. Picture: Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Having seen what it takes to win Premierships and UFC world titles, Prates says there’s one thing that sets Whittaker and other high-achievers apart.

“I’m going to upset some people, but you kind’ve have to be born with this DNA that’s going to get you to the top,” he explains. “They’re all freak athletes. Rob’s a freak, and when you train a rugby league team, they’re all freaks.

“But it’s the work ethic.

“If you find a rugby league player that has Rob’s work ethic, you’ll have a superstar. Same with coaches.

“You see it over and over with Ivan Cleary, Cameron Ciraldo and others.

“With Nathan Cleary, there’s something in his brain, but if you go to any Panthers training, you’re gonna see him kicking the ball for two hours after the session.

“It’s hard work and discipline. That’s it.”

Whittaker fights Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 this weekend. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

It hasn’t all been smooth sailing.

Prates is protective of Whittaker, but isn’t afraid to have tough conversations with him.

That happened after Whittaker’s shock loss to Dricus du Plessis at UFC (290) in July 2023.

“He’s keeping alive what made him great – that willingness to fight,” Prates says. “I want to be too romantic, but keeping alive that Maori fire inside of him.

“We spoke about it, and it was not an easy conversation.

“But we said, ‘If you lose this, you’re better off stopping’.

“But Rob’s a warrior and he’s proud of that. He wants to end his career with that same fire inside of him.”

Whittaker’s loss to Dricus du Plessis was a turning point. Picture: Steve Marcus/Getty Images

Since that loss to du Plessis, those closest to Whittaker say he’s never been in a better mindset.

A comeback win over Paulo Costa in February, and a stunning first round knockout of rising star Ikram Aliskerov prove that point.

And a win over Chimaev this weekend would propel him into a rematch with du Plessis for the title.

“I feel like I’ve gotten better in every fight this year,” Whittaker tells this masthead. “The things I put in place after the Dricus loss are paying dividends, and, man, I’ve never been more on task.

“I really understand my space, and I understand why I’m doing it. It’s about duty. It’s duty to my family.

“This is how I provide for them, and that’s what drives me pretty hard.”

Originally published as Why Rob Whittaker is still motivated by coach Alex Prates’ Greg Inglis jibe