Overview
- Whittaker said he will skip a February fight in Australia to be home for a newborn and the holiday period.
- He expressed interest in competing at the planned UFC White House event in Washington, D.C., targeting June 2026.
- His preferred opponent is Sean Strickland, ranked No. 3, which he believes would place him back in title discussions.
- Strickland is serving a suspension for a June incident in Las Vegas, with reporting indicating his return is expected in 2026.
- Whittaker noted he will attend the Sydney card but expects to fight later after recent setbacks reshaped his timetable.