Aussie putting his heart on the line in UFC title bid

Robert Whittaker has no interest in talking trash. He’ll leave that to others.

Robert Whittaker (left) battles Jacare Souza during their bout in Kansas City last week.

Robert Whittaker has no interest in talking trash. He’ll leave that to others.

“If I can be a role model for anyone, I try to lead by example,” the UFC middleweight contender tells The Weekend Australian.

“I am not trying to sell tickets by bagging people or talking trash. I really believe you need to set an example. I am doing my best to be a good role model and put the sport in a good light.

“My dad is always big on how I compose myself and how I act outside the limelight, not so much how I fight. I want to be a good role model for people, I want to do the right things, I want to be humble and respectful, and I want to lead the sport in a good way.

“I don’t want to be Conor McGregor, I don’t want to be that image. I want to be me and make everyone proud.”

Whittaker is doing a good job thus far. The 26-year-old has vaulted to No 3 in the UFC world rankings following his stunning win over Jacare Souza last weekend.

Middleweight champion Michael Bisping, who is about to fight ageing legend George St Pierre, has publicly stated Whittaker is worthy of a title shot.

“Thanks Bisping — I 100 per cent agree,” Whittaker said.

“I deserve that shot, I have a six-win fight streak at the moment, I deserve and earned that shot.

“I did something on the weekend no one else has done in the division. I took No 3 (Souza) ....and decimated him. I put him away in devastating fashion.

“Anything can happen. You have seen the division, you have seen the UFC. It’s quite chaotic. I believe I have earned that shot. I believe I should be the next one in line to fight for that belt.

“But I want that belt, I want that title fight. Every opponent in the top five or top 10 is a killer. They’re all killers out there. It’s that small amount of a difference in the sport and the division we’re in.”

Whittaker lives and trains in western Sydney. He studied to be an electrician but pulled up stumps when he realised he could make it as a fighter.

His father Jack urged him to try karate at a young age, planting the seed for a career which has Whittaker on the verge of becoming the first Australian to win a UFC title.

“I can’t say I miss the tools — I was a crap sparkie,” Whittaker says as he sits in the shadow of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

“Thank God I was good at fighting. My dad always said if you get good at anything, people will pay you for it.

“It doesn’t matter what skill set it is. For numerous years it was about making a living until you get to where I am now.

“It’s more about winning and making a legacy. I want that belt and I am hungry, One way or another I am going to get that belt.

“I have to stay ready. I want that shot, Bisping has said he will give me that shot. I have earned that shot. I just have to stay ready.

“I fancy that match-up because he has the belt. Make no mistake. I am not chasing Bisping, I am chasing that belt. I have shown a lot of people I am a nightmare stylistically for anyone.”

Whittaker wants to be a respected and humble champion. He has no interest in stealing from the playbook of the outrageously talented yet outspoken Conor McGregor.

“He is a ridiculously talented athlete, but a bit of a clown,” Whittaker says.

“Let’s be honest. You have to carry yourself properly. The Australian crowd get behind that, they understand that.

“They can tell who is fake and trying to sell tickets. I am out there to fight and I am putting my heart on the line every time I get out there.”