https://www.instagram.com/p/BqKUWXFHHIK/?utm_source=ig_share_sheet&igshid=13x9w8k1c6l85

“Alright, the next award winner…is one of the best pound-4-pound fighters in the world. But, there was talk earlier about what it means to be a gentleman. And he is the absolute definition of the word.

In a time of trash talk, and trying to be controversial, he is the exact opposite. Treats all of his opponents with respect, he is a family man, he works with inner-city kids to get them off the streets, and the list goes on and on.

I also love the fact that he lets his work inside the Octagon speak for itself. He is the first Australian UFC world champion…and I figured I’d throw this in too, he’ll be defending his title in Melbourne on February 10 live on pay-per-view…

Ladies and gentlemen the GQ Sportsman of the Year, your own UFC middleweight world champion, Robert Whittaker!”

UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has officially received what could end up being his first of multiple awards in 2018.

The now GQ Sportsman of the Year in Whittaker has been flawless since making his move to his current division of 185-pounds in November 2014.

The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes winner has won nine in a row with some of the names on his resume including the likes of Brad Tavares, Uriah Hall, Rafael Natal, Derek Brunson, Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza, and Yoel Romero (twice).

Of course, in reference to Whittaker possibly picking up more awards by the time the year is over, the champion only had one fight this year and that was his rematch with Romero at UFC 225.

After giving up the first two rounds, Romero came alive late as he generally does and turned the fight from a clear Whittaker cruising, into the possible fight of the year.

In the end, the champion obviously came out on top and will look to do so for his 10th straight victory when he meets Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 234 in February.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 11/14/2018