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Robert Whittaker has outlined his plans for his next UFC appearance after making a successful debut in the light heavyweight division.
The former middleweight champion impressed at UFC 329, where he stopped Nikita Krylov to begin the latest chapter of his career with a victory.
Whittaker is now targeting a return in early 2027, with a potential UFC event in Sydney emerging as his preferred destination.
Whittaker wants long-awaited Sydney homecoming
The UFC has staged events in Sydney in February during each of the past two years. If the promotion follows the same schedule in 2027, Whittaker hopes to earn a place on the card.
The Australian veteran (27-9 MMA, 18-7 UFC) has not competed in his hometown since defeating Clint Hester by stoppage in 2014.
“Unfortunately, there’s not a lot of fight news,” Whittaker told Fox Sports Australia. “I am training and preparing, but honestly, I’ve heard rumors that the UFC is coming to Sydney early next year.
“I’ve been saying for a long time that I want to fight in Sydney and compete at home, so here we are. I’m going to try to preserve myself, prepare as well as possible and hopefully get in there.”
Jan Blachowicz remains preferred opponent
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz could stand across the Octagon from Whittaker in Sydney.
The Polish fighter previously accepted Whittaker’s challenge, and the Australian hopes Blachowicz remains interested in the matchup.
Blachowicz (29-12-2 MMA, 12-9-2 UFC) is looking to recover from his first-round technical knockout loss to Navajo Stirling at UFC Fight Night 283 in August.
“He’s the only one who responded, and he’s happy to take that fight,” Whittaker said of Blachowicz. “He wants the fight, I want the fight, and that’s where we’re at.
“But I’m preparing for anybody and anything. I’m just looking to get back out there and have my hand raised one more time.”
The UFC has not officially announced its return to Sydney or confirmed Whittaker’s next opponent.
