Robert Whittaker might be planting the seed for his next chapter long before the final bell rings on his time in the ufc.
The former middleweight champ recently said boxing is “definitely” something he’d consider once his MMA career is finished — and he’s not talking about grinding through the traditional boxing ladder. He’s talking about the modern crossover lane: recognizable MMA names stepping into big stages, big paydays, and fights that sell on story as much as skill.
Why the boxing crossover keeps growing
Purists can roll their eyes at “influencer boxing” all they want, but the market is real. Crossover matchmaking has become a late-career option for fighters who already have a fanbase, a highlight reel, and a brand. That’s why we’ve seen names like Ben Askren, Nate Diaz, Mike Perry, Tyron Woodley, and Anderson Silva take high-profile boxing opportunities without needing a decade-long climb.
At the heavyweight end, Francis N'Gannou proved how fast a combat-sports superstar can land blockbuster opponents. And on the personality-driven side, guys like Jorge Masvidal and Darren Till have shown there’s a lane for recognizable names even outside a championship run.
Whittaker’s angle: money, fitness, and a cleaner path
Whittaker’s point was simple: if you’re already a known commodity, why start in small-hall boxing when you can jump into the kind of crossover bouts people actually pay attention to? He also framed it as a practical move — staying in shape, doing what he enjoys most (striking), and keeping competition fresh.
Where Whittaker is at right now
Whittaker, now 35, last competed in July, dropping a split decision to Reinier de Ridder. His title story is still one of the more unusual runs: he became champion in 2017 by beating Yoel Romero, then fought Romero again in a rematch that couldn’t be for the belt due to the weight miss. After that, his reign ended in his next title fight.
If Whittaker does pivot to boxing later, he’d be entering a world that already knows how to package MMA stars — and that’s exactly why the idea appeals to him.
