Robert Whittaker Breakdown: Karate Boxing for MMA

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker returns this weekend to fight former interim title challenger Kelvin Gastelum in a 5-round main event. Check out this in-depth breakdown by our man Julian about how Whittaker utilizes an interesting stylistic mix of traditional karate and boxing techniques.

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[migclass]

Really interesting point about the need for a stopping mechanic on his bursts. The few analysts that talk about footwork in MMA usually do from the boxing perspective, so it's interesting to compare Whittaker to Horiguchi and see how he could keep and improve on his karate stance.

[nut-xnol]

It is quite interesting to watch back the Adesenya fight, he did better than a lot of people remember. If he can fix the overcomittment etc he could have success in a rematch

[micahudeh]

Yall real-life read my mind. I've been looking for a good Bobby Knucks break down

[filth]

This seems to be the optimal striking style for mma. McGregor, Cejudo, Fedor, Horiguchi, Whittaker, and Patricio Pitbull all use this style.

[ChainsawDunDeez]

Great breakdown of my favorite fighter Robbie The Reaper Whittaker...

[elderlyinfant]

Great breakdown! Hopefully his work with Tim Tszyu helped fix some of his issues with exiting off attacks.

[AWolf-gqvu]

I think something that would pair nicely with Whittaker learning to stop better would be low kicks, especially in an Adesanya rematch. When Israel defended Whittaker’s rushes, he leaned back off balance and gave up his legs. If Whittaker learns to throw combinations ending with low kicks, he can vary his sometimes predictable attack and open up opportunities to land hard strikes in the pocket.

[fightwise]

Best Whittaker breakdown I've seen in a long time!

[ethanwatkins]

Great breakdown probably my favourite so far!

[nathalieechabarria]

This was actually an amazing breakdown. Im gonna smoke a blunt and rewatch some of robs fights