Whittakers ‘full circle’ moment as he returns to old stomping ground to announce UFC partnership

Rob Whittaker began his mixed martial arts training at PCYC gyms, today he returned to his training ground to launch a new UFC x PCYC NSW partnership alongside the next generation.

Rob Whittaker is deep in training for his June 22 showdown with Khamzat Chimaev, but took time out of his busy schedule this week to announce what he described as a “full circle” partnership between the UFC and PCYC New South Wales.

A win over Chimaev in Saudi Arabia will see Whittaker – who first began training in mixed martial arts at PCYC gyms around Sydney – book another shot at the middleweight title.

And the 33-year-old wants to be holding the belt again by the end of the year.

On Tuesday though, Whittaker hosted a Q&A and a brief training session with around 30 kids at the Woolloomooloo PCYC as the UFC announced its three-year partnership with the organisation.

Rob Whittaker visited Woolloomooloo PCYC in Sydney to help announce the new three-year partnership between UFC and PCYC NSW. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

The deal will see the UFC make a charitable donation to PCYC New South Wales, while its athletes will conduct regular MMA training sessions and youth mentoring across the state.

For Whittaker, who was raised in housing commissions in Riverwood and Menai, it’s a chance to give back.

“I’ve personally never gone out there to try to change the world – I never thought I had that power,” Whittaker told this masthead. “What I do have control over is being a good role model and leading by example.

“Being able to have an influential impact means a lot. It’s about giving back and it’s come full circle.

“I’ve been going to PCYCs for training for my entire career. Up until last year I was with Johnny Lewis at Daceyville.

“I started training at Cabramatta PCYC probably when I was about 24, and I did all my wrestling prep work for Derek Brunson and Yoel Romero there.”

Whittaker has even had first-hand experience of the work done by the accomplished Woolloomooloo Boxing Team, which trains at the Woolloomooloo PCYC.

The Reaper spars with rising boxing star Marlon Sevehon, who was named elite men’s fighter of the tournament at last weekend’s Australian club championships in Adelaide, where ‘Woollo’ also won club of the tournament.

“He’s good – really good,” Whittaker said of Sevehon. “He pieced me up the last time we sparred.

Whittaker is coming off a win over Paulo Costa in February. Picture: Hans Gutknecht/MediaNews Group/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images

“He’s tall, really quick and he’s helping me out a lot.

“It’s funny how life moves full circle, and to see the connection the UFC has made with the PCYC, it’s great. It’s good for the next generation of kids, and I’m just thankful to be a part of it.

“I understand how important it is to know your options and to see you can be more than what was laid out in front of you.

“So to be able to be a part of that and show the kids that I came from the housing commission, and I turned out pretty well is exciting.”

Whittaker has gone back to his wrestling roots in preparation to fight Chimaev.

The Chechen phenom is a world class grappler, winning his middleweight debut against former welterweight king Kamaru Usman in October.

But Whittaker is confident of toppling the much-hyped Chimaev, and denies there’s any concerns about fighting in Saudi Arabia.

“He’s a great fighter, and his skill set lends itself to the hype that everyone puts behind him,” Whittaker said. “He’s respectful, and I like that.

Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most feared fighters in the UFC. Picture: Getty Images

“We’re two respectful dudes who have respect for each other’s skill sets.

“(Saudi Arabia), that’s my backyard. I’ve never had any trouble over there, and I expect a warm reception, like anywhere else.

“I fought on Fight Island (in Abu Dhabi) a few times, and I love the area, love the place and everything about it.

“I can’t wait to get over there.”

Whittaker is adamant a win over Chimaev will see him lock in another shot at the belt, and revealed his prediction for the expected UFC 305 main event between current champion Dricus du Plessis and former titleholder Israel Adesanya in Perth in August.

“I think DDP gets it done,” he said. “I think he makes the fight uncomfortable for Adesanya.

“I think he gets his back to the fence and will keep him there.

“We’ve heard Dana White says beating Chimaev will (lock in a title shot), but we’ll wait and see.

“Getting the belt back before the end of the year would be pretty good.”

Originally published as Whittakers ‘full circle’ moment as he returns to old stomping ground to announce UFC partnership