Whittaker Reveals Retirement Plan

Robert Whittaker came to UFC 329 as a middleweight moving up two weight classes off back-to-back losses.

The former UFC middleweight champion stopped Nikita Krylov in the third round in his debut at 205 pounds, a performance that answered the sceptics who had spent fight week questioning whether his frame would hold up against natural light heavyweights. Whittaker then addressed both the end of his career and what he wants before it arrives.

"I definitely have a few more in me. A few is three,” Whittaker

The retirement plan is specific and considered. He has no intention of stopping abruptly or being forced out by a run of losses. When the time comes, he wants to see it coming, announce it publicly, and finish on his terms — in Australia.

"As soon as I reach the point where I'm starting to drag my feet again, where it's hard for me to get to training and hard for me to enjoy it, I'll announce my retirement on an Australian card and make that my last fight," Whittaker said. "I want to do that properly. I want to sail off into the sunset the right way. I want to finish my career in my home country,” Whittaker

One more impressive performance. Then potentially a title shot. Then, at some point in the next three fights, an announcement in Australia and a final walk to the octagon in front of a home crowd. Whittaker has the ending mapped out.