Tattoos in combat sports, particularly in MMA, have become a powerful means of both psychological warfare and self-expression, showing no indication of fading in popularity. Numerous fighters, such as UFC superstar Conor McGregor, have adorned themselves with symbols like the gorilla and tiger on his chest and abdomen to emphasize their strength and dominance. These tattoos often serve as visual representations of a fighter’s identity and mindset inside the cage. However, not all tattoos are meant to intimidate. For some fighters, like former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, tattoos hold deeper, more personal meanings.
Whittaker’s tattoos represent values like respect for family. Having spent most of his life in Australia, he sports two significant tattoos, with a Samoan design on his right arm being the most prominent. This raises the question in fans’ minds: why does an Australian fighter have a Samoan tattoo? So, without wasting any time, let’s explore the story behind it.
Robert Whittaker’s arm tattoo and its Samoan connection
The Samoan tattoos on Robert Whittaker’s right arm are a tribute to his Samoan heritage, which he inherited from his mother’s side, honoring his Maori roots. ‘The Reaper’s’ parents parted ways when he was very young, which meant he didn’t have much opportunity to learn about his Kiwi family. As a way to connect with that side of his heritage, he chose to ink himself with Maori tribal tattoos. In a candid interview, Bobby Knuckles expressed pride in his ancestry, saying, My mother is Maori, and my father is Australian. I draw strength from both sides of my ancestry, and I feel really privileged.
What many people don’t know is that Maori and Samoans share distant ancestral origins. Thousands of years ago, during the Polynesian migration across the Pacific Ocean, various tribes, including the Maori, embarked on journeys that eventually led them to settle in different parts of the Pacific. The Maori people chose to make their home in New Zealand around 3,000-4,000 years ago.
We all start somewhere. Props to my dad, who forced me to training 50% of the time as a child‚ wouldn’t be where I am today without him. @menaijack #TB #2004 pic.twitter.com/vnhNNuoeNr
Robert Whittaker (@robwhittakermma) May 29, 2022
Now that you finally know the reason behind your favorite middleweight contender’s Samoan tattoos, let’s scratch the surface and uncover more about this fighter’s ethnicity.
Is Robert Whittaker Samoan? Ethnicity and more
Robert Whittaker was born to Jack Whittaker, an Australian of European descent, and his mother, Jewel Whittaker, originally from Auckland, New Zealand, who has Maori and Samoan ancestry. Shortly after Whittaker’s birth, the couple decided to move to Australia, where the future UFC champ began training in combat sports at the tender age of seven. His father and brother enrolled him in a Goju-Ryu karate school to teach him self-discipline. Little did they know that Robert Whittaker would one day excel far beyond the realm of self-discipline and shine like a diamond in the world of combat sports.
In a candid interview, ‘The Reaper’ expressed pride in his ancestry and shared his thoughts on his dual heritage. He stated I feel really privileged to have that Maori blood and link to my past. I got my tattoo out of respect for that. My mother wanted to have me back home, so she came back. After I was born, we returned to Australia. Half of who I am is Maori, and my mum’s roots go back to Samoa.”
Now all eyes are on the upcoming UFC 308, where Robert Whittaker will square off against the Chechen prospect Khamzat Chimaev in a grueling five-round battle. ‘The Reaper’ is determined to elevate his ranking in hopes of becoming a title contender soon. Will his Maori-Australian heritage provide him with the strength he needs? Stay tuned for further updates.
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Is Whittaker's Maori-Samoan heritage his secret weapon in the octagon?