While UFC middleweight champ Robert Whittaker proudly fights for Australia, the Auckland-born Sydneysider says he is eager to learn more about his Māori heritage.
Whittaker, 28, will defend his belt against livewire Kiwi-Nigerian Israel Adesanya in October, his first bout since June 2018.
In Auckland to promote the bout, Whittaker told Te Karere about his background, and why he still has lots to learn about the Kiwi in him.
"I don't know a great deal to be honest, because there was some disconnection," he said.
"Straight after I was born, almost the same week, we flew to Sydney, my parents split up and I was raised with my dad and brother.
"My Kiwi side didn't talk to my father too much, and my father is the Australian side, so there was that disconnection there from my roots.
'I didn't grow up with a lot of money so I couldn't fly back.
"There was never any time to explore, come back and see my culture."
He still has family in Auckland, and hoped to get some time to see them this week.
He wanted to learn about his heritage properly, as it was important to show it respect.
"I look forward to experiencing it all, and understanding why I have this blood running through me, where I get my strength from."
Adesanya criticised Aussie UFC champion Whittaker, saying he's "in his head already."
Adesanya is expected to take on Aussie champion Whittaker in August/September.
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