Whittaker says family priorities have a good influence on MMA

ABU DHABI – Robert Whittaker has been to the top of the mountain and may be close to returning.

And that's partly why it's likely that the former UFC middleweight titleholder has found a way to stay grounded en route to another title shot. But he also believes a dramatic change in his life outside of sports was pivotal.

According to him, balancing MMA with children and family life is what helps him.

“The big part of it is about redefining drives and goals,” Whittaker said Wednesday at UFC 308 media day. “I’ve been in the UFC for a long time. There aren't many fighters that stay in the UFC as long as I have the caliber and level that I was at. I think a lot of that is just the ability to redefine my goals and drive.”

Whittaker (27-7 MMA, 17-5 UFC) faces the latest big test of his career on Saturday when he takes part in the co-main event of UFC 308 (pay-per-view, ESPN+) at the Etihad Arena.

Chimaev is more than just a 2-1 favorite in the betting window, and that part is somewhat new for Whittaker. He has only been an underdog once in the last seven years, and that was his rematch against Israel Adesanya, in which he attempted to regain the middleweight title he lost to him in 2019.

But the living conditions that matter most to Whittker, he believes, also help him in the cage.

“When I started my career, I didn’t have any children,” Whittaker said. “The introduction of children during this time is overwhelming. And anyone who has children will understand it – it changes you. I think a lot of fighters struggle with change… But I made those changes in my family.

“I understand what is important in life. I have clearly defined my priorities and I think to sum it up: I understand what I'm fighting for. I fight for my family. It would be pointless not to spend time with them at the expense of fighting.”

Watch Whittaker's full media day interview above.

For more information on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC 308 event hub.