Whittaker returns to Sydney after 12 years to face Guskov at UFC Sydney co-main

Robert Whittaker will fight in Sydney for the first time in 12 years when he faces Bogdan Guskov in the co-main event of UFC Sydney on February 6 at Afterpay Arena, the promotion has confirmed.

The former middleweight champion is riding the momentum of a successful step up to light heavyweight, having knocked out Nikita Krylov in the third round at UFC 329 in July. Guskov arrives in contrasting form, having been dominated and stopped by Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC Abu Dhabi that same month.

“12 years is a long time,” Whittaker said on his podcast. “2014 — I don’t think I had any kids then. That’s a very different Rob. That’s wild. I think it’s cool to finally come back to Sydney after 12 years. I’ve climbed every mountain, I’ve done a lot of stuff, had a lot of battles and wars, and now I’m coming back to Sydney older, more mature, heavier, but just as sharp. I can’t wait to get in there.”

Whittaker acknowledged that Guskov was not the first name on the list, revealing that several opponents passed on the opportunity before the Russian signed on. “Props to Bogdan,” he said. “There were other names thrown in the hat. Everyone was either tied up or had excuses why they couldn’t do it, yada yada yada. We got to where we are. Someone took the fight, flying all the way to Sydney to do it. It’s going to be great.”

Despite Guskov’s recent setback against Ankalaev, Whittaker is not underestimating the challenge. “Bogdan’s a dangerous guy. He’s tall. He’s rangy. He’s got light heavyweight power — if he gets a shot on me, it’s going to hurt,” Whittaker said. “The game plan is the same: hit and don’t get hit. Keep it very simple. It’s going to be fun.”

Whittaker also brushed aside questions about rankings and matchmaking logic, suggesting consistent, high-quality performances matter more than the strategic ladder-climbing. “It doesn’t matter who you fight just as long as you fight well,” he said.