TLDR
- Robert Whittaker is moving from middleweight to light heavyweight for a fight in June 2026
- The decision follows back-to-back losses to Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder
- Whittaker says weight cutting to 185 pounds has been affecting his training and fight performance
- At 35 years old, he wants to test himself at a new weight class before retirement
- The former champion plans a three-to-four-month transition period to adjust to fighting at 205 pounds
Sources: LowKickMMA | Times of India | MMA News
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has confirmed he will move up to the light heavyweight division for his next fight in June. The 35-year-old Australian fighter made the announcement in an interview with Submission Radio this week.
Whittaker’s decision comes after suffering consecutive losses to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308 in October 2024 and Reinier de Ridder at UFC Fight Night in July 2025. The losses dropped him to number nine in the middleweight rankings.
“I had a really good rest after last fight. I took some breaks. I worked on some other things, and it’s given me a moment to really just settle in and work out what I want to do moving forward,” Whittaker told Submission Radio. “I’m locking in now. I’m locking in for June. I want to get in there. I want to fight again. I want to fight in June at 205 most likely.”
Robert Whittaker confirms move to light heavyweight divisionhttps://t.co/OzlAW6U399
— MMAWeekly (@MMAWeeklycom) February 24, 2026
Weight Cutting Takes Its Toll
Whittaker said the weight cut to 185 pounds has been affecting his performance in training camps and inside the octagon. He emphasized that he can still make the middleweight limit but believes fighting at his natural weight will improve his results.
The former champion has been considering the move for some time and trained at a heavier weight during his recent break from competition. He plans to use a three-to-four-month transition period to adjust to the 205-pound division.
Whittaker wants to add some muscle mass without sacrificing his speed and movement. He believes his striking skills and experience will help him compete against larger opponents at light heavyweight.
No Regrets Before Retirement
The Australian fighter acknowledged he is approaching the end of his career with a current record of 26-9. He said he wants to challenge himself at a new weight class rather than wonder what might have been.
“I’m going to give it a go. I want to give it a go. I’m on the tail end of my career, so like I’m going to try rather than just thinking about what-ifs,” Whittaker said.
Whittaker won the UFC middleweight championship in 2017 and defended the title once. He remained a top contender at 185 pounds for several years before his recent setbacks.
The June timeline could place Whittaker on a major UFC card, possibly the rumored White House event. However, specific details about the event and available slots have not been confirmed.
Whittaker’s opponent for the light heavyweight debut has not been announced. The move represents a calculated risk for the veteran fighter who is choosing to face bigger, stronger opponents rather than continue pursuing another middleweight title shot.
The former champion said he took time after his last loss to reflect on his future and work on other projects. The break allowed him to commit fully to the weight class change.
Whittaker plans to begin his preparation now and will have several months to adjust his training and conditioning for the heavier division. His June fight will mark his first appearance at light heavyweight in the UFC.
