5 best Robert Whittaker performances in the UFC

#2. Robert Whittaker vs. Ronaldo Souza – UFC on FOX 24

Robert Whittaker was among the hottest prospects in the UFC's middleweight division in 2017. The Australian, who was ranked No.6 at the time, was looking to break into the top 5 at 185 lbs when he took on grappling legend Ronaldo 'Jacare' Souza at UFC on FOX 24.

Souza, a multitime Brazilian jiu-jitsu champion, was ranked No.3 at the time and was expected to get a title shot with a win. The legendary Brazilian was the betting favorite going into the bout as the oddsmakers and fans believed the discrepency in grappling prowess would be too much for Whittaker.

However, the bout that ensued left fans stunned as Whittaker managed to stuff Souza's takedown attempts. He fought an incredibly mature fight against the experienced veteran and systematically picked him apart on the feet.

In the second round, Whittaker swarmed on Souza with a flurry of punches. A perfectly placed head kick stunned the Brazilian and 'The Reaper' capitalized. He secured a TKO finish to make his way into the middleweight division's top 5.

Watch the full fight below:

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#1. Robert Whittaker vs. Derek Brunson – UFC Fight Night 101

Robert Whittaker's toughest test en route to his first title shot came against MMA veteran Derek Brunson. Brunson was among the best wrestlers in the division and posed a tricky stylistic matchup for Whittaker, who was looking to break into the top 10 at 185 lbs.

Additionally, this would be the first time Whittaker would headline a fight card in his home country of Australia. He locked horns with Brunson in the main event of UFC Fight Night 101, which went down at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne.

The duo put on a barnbuner of a fight for as long as it lasted. Whittaker survived the early onslaught from Brunson to secure a come-from-behind knockout victory.

Chasing down the finish, Brunson ran straight into a left hand and a head-kick. The American crumbled to the canvas before Whittaker closed the show with some ground strikes. The referee called a stop to the action at the 4:07 mark of the very first round.

Their bout ended up winning the 'Fight of the Night' honors, while Whittaker came away with a 'Performance of the Night' bonus as well.

Watch the full fight below: