Robert Whittaker may have fallen short in a razor-close split decision to Reinier de Ridder at UFC on ABC 9, but the former middleweight king proved he's still among the elite at 185 pounds. Whittaker showcased his trademark boxing, takedown defense, and resilience in a high-stakes chess match that saw both men trade momentum in every round.

Despite the loss, Whittaker remains a top-seven middleweight and a fan favorite with proven main event value. His willingness to face all comers and his technical versatility make him a nightmare matchup for nearly anyone not named Adesanya.

Next up for Robert Whittaker should be a compelling showdown with #11-ranked Brendan Allen. Allen is fresh off a bounce-back win over Marvin Vettori, where he showcased his improved striking cardio and elite grappling IQ. Known for his back takes and submission arsenal, Allen has quietly amassed a strong resume, with recent victories over Paul Craig, Bruno Silva, and Chris Curtis.

For Whittaker, this fight is a chance to reassert his position in the top five by stopping the momentum of a rising star. For Allen, it’s a golden opportunity to prove he belongs among the middleweight elite by taking out a former champion. Stylistically, Whittaker vs. Allen is a clash of sharp striking and takedown defense versus creative grappling and relentless pressure. Whittaker’s lateral movement, jab, and head kicks would be tested against Allen’s ability to close distance, clinch, and hunt for submissions.

This is a perfect five-round Fight Night main event or a pay-per-view feature bout, especially if the UFC heads to Australia or the Southern U.S. in the coming months. It’s a high-stakes fight with clear implications for the middleweight pecking order, and one that fans and analysts alike would circle on the calendar.

Last Five Fights – Robert Whittaker:

1. Loss to Reinier de Ridder – Decision (split), UFC on ABC 9 (July 26, 2025)
2. Loss to Khamzat Chimaev – Submission (face crank), UFC 308 (October 26, 2024)
3. Win over Ikram Aliskerov – KO (punches), UFC on ABC (June 22, 2024)
4. Win over Paulo Costa – Decision (unanimous), UFC 298 (February 17, 2024)
5. Loss to Dricus du Plessis – TKO (punches), UFC 290 (July 8, 2023)

Last Five Fights – Brendan Allen:

1. Win over Marvin Vettori – Decision (unanimous), UFC 318 (July 19, 2025)
2. Loss to Anthony Hernandez – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night (February 22, 2025)
3. Loss to Nassourdine Imavov – Decision (unanimous), UFC Fight Night (September 28, 2024)
4. Win over Chris Curtis – Decision (split), UFC Fight Night (April 6, 2024)
5. Win over Paul Craig – Submission (rear-naked choke), UFC Fight Night (November 18, 2023)