Mick Maynard's Shoes: What's next for Robert Whittaker after UFC on ABC 9 loss?
Just as he voiced his intention to make a final title push before retirement, the former middleweight champion Whittaker (26-9 MMA, 17-7 UFC) dropped a split decision to de Ridder (20-2 MMA, 4-0 UFC) at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, and he's now dropped consecutive fights for the first time in more than a decade.
Whittaker was hoping to rebound strong from a 2024 Submission of the Year loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October, but instead he's in uncharted territory after falling on the wrong side of the scorecards against an opponent who was ranked No. 12.
What does the future hold for Whittaker? Watch the video above for thoughts and analysis after the UFC on ABC 9 main event.
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