Middleweight Champion Prepares for Next Challenge After Undergoing Dental Implants

Robert Whittaker, a former UFC middleweight champion, has faced his fair share of challenges in the Octagon. However, his recent ordeal with a gruesome injury has been one of the most unsettling. During his fight with Khamzat Chimaev in Abu Dhabi last October, Whittaker suffered a face crank that dislodged his bottom teeth. The incident left him with a ghastly X-ray that went viral on social media, but Whittaker downplays the severity of the injury.

“I’m experienced with teeth issues, so it wasn’t too bad for me,” Whittaker said with a laugh. “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.”

Whittaker’s dental issues date back to when he was 19 and had a similar incident that weakened his bottom teeth. He was unable to bite down on an apple for nearly 15 years. His teeth were pushed back again during his defeat by Dricus du Plessis in 2023, and Chimaev later dislodged them, requiring surgery. Whittaker underwent dental implants, which he believes have greatly improved his quality of life.

“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,” Whittaker explained. “After getting the implants and getting them replaced, I should have done it much sooner. My life is much better. I can finally bite into an apple without worrying about damaging my teeth. It’s a small thing, but it’s a big relief.”

Whittaker’s next challenge is against Dutch middleweight Reinier de Ridder in Abu Dhabi on Saturday. Despite his recent setback, Whittaker remains confident in his abilities and is focused on leading by example for his kids and other athletes.

“I’ve got nothing to prove, there’s just things that I’m working for,” Whittaker said. “I’m leading by example for my kids and any other athlete that wants to look up to me. I’ve been in the game so long, what drives me to be better and push as hard as I do, is the kids. They inspire me to be the best version of myself, both in and out of the Octagon.”

Whittaker’s experience and resilience have earned him a spot in the UFC’s middleweight rankings, where he currently ranks fifth. He has won 17 of his 23 fights since joining the promotion in 2012, demonstrating sporting longevity at the top that is matched by few. Although regaining the title, which he lost to Israel Adesanya in 2019, remains a goal, Whittaker is no longer driven by a desire to prove himself.

“My goal is to be the best version of myself, not to prove anyone else wrong,” Whittaker said. “I’ve been in this game for a while, and I’ve learned that it’s not just about winning or losing, it’s about being true to yourself and living with integrity. That’s what drives me to keep pushing forward, even when things get tough.”

Whittaker’s opponent, Reinier de Ridder, is a formidable opponent who is looking to make a statement in the UFC. The Dutch middleweight has spent much of his career in fellow MMA promotion One Championship, where he is a former middleweight and light-heavyweight champion. Whittaker is aware of the challenges that lie ahead and is preparing for a tough fight.

“De Ridder is going to be looking to pressure me and take me down to the ground and make me uncomfortable,” Whittaker said. “I want to get my hands on him and hope for a quick one, but I’ve been training for a 25-minute slugfest. I’m ready for whatever he throws at me.”