Robert Whittaker is ready for a historic comeback — and he wants Sean Strickland standing across from him when it happens.
The former UFC middleweight champion revealed he’s hoping to return at the highly anticipated UFC White House event in June 2026, which will mark the first-ever fight card held in front of the White House. Speaking with Fox Sports Australia, Whittaker said the magnitude of the occasion — and the matchup — makes it the perfect next step in his career.
“I would love to fight Sean Strickland in front of the White House,” Whittaker said. “When are you ever going to be able to fight in front of the White House ever again? But I’ve been trying to fight Sean for the longest time just because I like that fight.”
Whittaker (25-8) remains one of the division’s most respected names, and a showdown with former champ Sean Strickland could immediately thrust him back into title contention. Strickland (29-6) is currently ranked No. 3 in the middleweight division and is expected to return in 2026 after serving a suspension for a post-fight altercation at a Tuff-N-Uff event in Las Vegas.
For Whittaker, who hasn’t fought in the U.S. since 2023, this matchup offers both prestige and opportunity.
“He’s still ranked 3, which puts me right back into a conversation that I want to be a part of,” Whittaker said. “I think it’ll be a fun fight, a good fight to watch. I’d love to be on that.”
Despite calls for him to compete at the expected UFC Sydney card in February, Whittaker confirmed that family comes first. With another baby due soon, “The Reaper” plans to spend the holidays at home before beginning training in early 2026.
“I’m having a baby, due in a few weeks, and I want to be there for that period,” Whittaker said. “I don’t want to be in camp during this time. I’ll be at the Sydney card for sure, but I’ll probably be looking to fight a little bit later down the track.”
If the UFC makes it happen, a Whittaker vs. Strickland clash in front of the White House could become one of the most iconic moments in UFC history.
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