**Robert Whittaker’s Resilience After Gruesome Injury**
Robert Whittaker, a seasoned mixed martial artist and former UFC middleweight champion, recently reflected on one of the most gruesome injuries he endured during his career—a dislodged set of teeth sustained during his fight against Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi last October. Whittaker, displaying resilience like few athletes can, opted for humor over despair as he recounted the incident, proving that his spirit in the octagon is nearly as tough as his physical skills.
Whittaker’s injury occurred during a face crank maneuver by Chimaev, which exerted significant pressure on his jaw, resulting in the dislodgement of his bottom teeth. The graphic X-ray images that circulated on social media showcased the extent of the damage, shocking fans worldwide. However, the Australian fighter took the experience in stride, stating, “I’m experienced with teeth issues, so it wasn’t too bad for me.” His ability to find light amid adversity speaks to his character both as an athlete and a person.
Reflecting further on his injury, Whittaker admitted that while the moment itself was not as painful as the subsequent dental work to reattach the teeth, it was still a challenging ordeal. “It didn’t tickle. But when it happened it didn’t hurt anywhere near as much as pushing them back and getting them wired together to make the trip home. That was yuck… painful,” he shared. Whittaker’s perspective on dental injuries is rooted in years of experience; he first faced dental issues at age 19 while reveling in a careless moment, which culminated in his bottom teeth being weakened over time.
Upon returning to Australia, Whittaker humorously recounted how his children reacted to his dental circumstances, saying, “It was cool being able to show the kids all the metal in my mouth,” confirming that his family found a semblance of excitement in the situation. The children’s heartfelt prayers for his teeth underscored the emotional ties of family during strenuous times.
In a subsequent surgery, Whittaker underwent a significant procedure that resulted in the removal of several teeth and the insertion of dental implants. “I went in, got put to sleep, woke up. All better. I got four to six teeth taken out, but the big thing is I got implants put in,” he explained. This improvement has dramatically altered his day-to-day well-being, which he highlights with a humorous twist: “My life is much better. But who needs teeth anyway?”
The UFC fighter is gearing up for his next match against Dutch middleweight Reinier de Ridder in Abu Dhabi, marking the first fight since receiving his new dental implants. Whittaker currently holds an impressive record of 17 wins out of 23 fights since joining the UFC in 2012 and ranks fifth in the middleweight division. Despite acknowledging a desire to reclaim the title he lost to Israel Adesanya in 2019, Whittaker insists his motivations have shifted over the years.
“I’ve got nothing to prove; there’s just things that I’m working for. I’m leading by example for my kids and any other athlete that wants to look up to me,” remarked Whittaker. His focus on family and the next generation has become a driving force behind his continued push in the sport. He is preparing for an arduous match against De Ridder, who similarly possesses a competitive background, transitioning from One Championship to the UFC.
Whittaker is aware that De Ridder will undoubtedly aim to apply pressure and force him to the ground. However, he is resolute in his training, stating, “I want to get my hands on him and hope for a quick one, but I’ve been training for a 25-minute slugfest.” As he steps back into the octagon, fans will be watching not just for his fight performance but also for the indomitable spirit that drives him—both as a fighter and a family man.
