Overview

• The former middleweight champion said regaining the belt is a "pipe dream" following July's split-decision loss to Reinier de Ridder.
• He confirmed he is not retiring and wants to savor the process of training and fight week while sharing the experience with his children.
• Whittaker is considering a shift to light heavyweight as the 185-pound cut takes a toll, though he is wary of taller, longer foes at 205.
• The recalibration follows back-to-back defeats, including a first-round submission to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2024, that pushed him out of the top five.
• He has floated options such as a matchup with Sean Strickland and expressed a strong preference to compete next in Australia.