There’s something about Robert Whittaker that makes him difficult to pin down. One moment, he’s nursing a shattered jaw from a horrific loss to Khamzat Chimaev. The next moment, he’s headlining a UFC event in Abu Dhabi and cracking jokes about Power Slap. As fans eagerly await his long-awaited return against Reinier De Ridder, it appears that ‘The Reaper’ has his sights set on another arena completely. Instead of takedowns or title belts, there will be slow-motion face smashes and a completely different kind of prize: cold, hard cash.

Robert Whittaker was asked a fan question during his appearance on Submission Radio if he would ever consider competing in Dana White’s Power Slap League. However, this was not a universal hypothesis; there was a very specific condition attached. “If he got paid 100k per slap, would he do Power Slap?”

Without taking a beat, ‘The Reaper’ laughed and responded with equal parts sarcasm and honesty. “100%. 100K a slap? That’s great dude. I might get hit by a car for 100 grand.” With that one sentence, Whittaker joins a growing number of current and ex-UFC fighters who have flirted with or openly shown an interest in slap fighting.

Anthony Smith has already openly expressed interest in it. While Eric Spicely claimed he was contacted about it. And now, Robert Whittaker—former UFC champion and middleweight mainstay—is casually throwing his name into the mix, although with a six-figure asterisk. It’s quite a reminder that the most recognized athletes are not immune to the temptation of a big pay, even if it comes with a side of whiplash.

Whittaker’s interest, even if expressed in jest, puts him in the same realm as former UFC fighter Paige VanZant, who has not only discussed Power Slap but has also joined up and has a 2-0-1 record. If the numbers are correct, the transfer from Octagon to Slap Stage is beginning to look less ludicrous and more strategic.

It’s not about chasing titles; it’s about pursuing value. And if Robert Whittaker is willing to take a car for $100,000, a slap may not be far off. However, let’s not get distracted—before any slaps land, ‘The Reaper’ has urgent business to attend to. On July 26 in Abu Dhabi, he fights Reinier De Ridder, a rising star who recently stopped Bo Nickal’s undefeated streak with a brutal knee to the body.

So, now Robert Whittaker hopes to rebound from a terrible setback, recover his rhythm, and restore his place among the middleweight elite. In fact, he wants to send a message. But what is it?

Robert Whittaker wants to send a message to the UFC

Robert Whittaker isn’t simply entering the Octagon to face Reinier de Ridder; he’s there to remind everyone who he is. The former champion has nothing to prove to fans but everything to reclaim in the eyes of UFC brass. Coming off a catastrophic loss and now facing a lower-ranked but streaking opponent, ‘The Reaper’ understands what this opportunity means: a statement, not simply a win. This is not about silencing critics; rather, it is about ensuring that the UFC hears him loud and clear.

He doesn’t underestimate Reinier de Ridder either. The Dutchman may be outside the top ten, but he isn’t built like a stepping stone. With 13 submission wins and an excellent streak that just saw him defeat Bo Nickal, de Ridder’s stock is rapidly rising. But ‘The Reaper,’ with all of his expertise and grit, isn’t going to let it rise any further at his expense.

He feels he can set the rhythm, control the pace, and push the fight to deep seas where he thrives. And he can clearly see the path—this fight is the lever that will unlock the door back to the title conversation. Whittaker said, “But honestly, I think this fight is going to be one where if I push the pace to where I want it to go, if I control the fight, control the dance, I can take the fight to where I want it to go.”

Robert Whittaker no longer climbs; he commands. He’s done the long climbs before, through wars with Yoel Romero, Kelvin Gastelum, and Jared Cannonier. He now wants the UFC to feel his presence again. And as he explained it all in his own words during the talk with Submission Radio, “I want to set a statement in this next fight. I want to really send a message and work my way up to the title.” So, what do you think? Will he be able to do that? Let us know in the comments.