Ahead of his Sunday match against Ikram Aliskerov, UFC athlete Robert Whittaker who is a former UFC Middleweight champion and ranks number three on the UFC Middleweight rankings, chatted with t2 on his match preparation and more.
How are you approaching your Sunday fight?
Obviously, there’s been a switch of opponents, so I’m having to make a few changes in the way that I approach the fight. But honestly, my general game plan is to take the fight to my opponent and make them worry about my skill set. And that’s exactly what I intend to do on Sunday.
What is your take on your opponent Ikram Aliskerov? Do you think you are a clear favourite?
I think in a lot of ways Ikram is just as or more dangerous than (Khamzat) Chimaev. I think he’s got a really well-rounded skill set and it’s going to be a test on the weekend. I understand that. I understand the task, but the task is the same. I’m going to go in there and hunt him for 25 minutes and just hurt him and hurt him and hurt him until he can’t take it any more.
Do you have a game plan before a fight?
Most of the time I go out there and I fight my fight. You know, I like to dictate the fight and take the fight in the direction where I’m strongest. So that gives me a lot of flexibility with how I fight and who I fight.
How has your preparation evolved over the years?
Definitely. Over the years my training has changed night and day. Who I am has changed, night and day. I feel like my general fight style has stayed the same. But it’s been sharpened and honed to perfection to where I am today.
How do you handle mind games before a match?
I don’t pay attention to it and I distract myself with other things.
Do you follow news online?
None!
You have trained in various forms of martial arts. Has it helped you in improving your concentration levels before a match?
Definitely. The different martial arts that I’ve practised have certainly shaped how I fight, and it’s definitely helped. Martial arts in combat sports is my way of life. That’s what martial arts has done for me. You know, it’s put the discipline in me and you know the holistic approach to martial arts, is my way of life.
How has boxing contributed to your UFC career?
Yeah, massively. You know, I like to hit people. (Laughs)
How would you describe the last 12 years with UFC?
Yeah, I’ve been blessed with a great career, you know. I’m respected by my peers. I’ve achieved the highest of highs. And yeah, I’ve been blessed with my career. Obviously winning the belt was probably the highlight, the crowning achievement at the moment, but you know I intend to still hit some milestones, coming up.
Your Instagram is full of lovely pictures of the family. Do your kids take an interest when you are training for a match?
Umm, yes and no. Like they’re interested. They train. But they’re not too fussed, you know, on watching me fight or anything like that. I don’t think they’re fans (laughs).
They’re still very young. So, I think they’re slowly starting to get it, to understand that I fly overseas and I fight and it’s on TV. So, my wife puts the fight on the TV, when I fight but yeah, but it’s still slow going.
What is your ultimate dream for yourself?
I want to just keep perfecting my craft. I want to keep getting better and I want to get back the belt and then, you know, step away on top. That’s my plan, that’s the goal and that’s the drive that I’m doing.
Watch UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov on June 23 from 3am IST onwards LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 1 SD & HD