TLDR
- Robert Whittaker is ’90 percent’ sure his next fight will be at light heavyweight instead of middleweight
- The former middleweight champion says ‘it’s time for a change’ after years competing at 185 pounds
- Whittaker has not yet made a final decision but is leaning heavily toward the move
- The shift would take him to the 205-pound division where he would face new competition
- No timeline has been announced for when Whittaker’s next fight will take place
Sources: Yahoo Sports | Sherdog | MMA Fighting
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has revealed he is nearly certain about moving up to light heavyweight for his next fight. The Australian fighter says he is ’90 percent’ sure he will compete at 205 pounds instead of his longtime home at 185.
Whittaker told reporters that after years competing at middleweight, he feels ready for a fresh start. ‘It’s time for a change,’ the fighter explained when discussing his potential move to the heavier division.
Years at Middleweight Coming to End
The 33-year-old has spent his entire UFC championship run at middleweight. He won the interim title in 2017 and later became the undisputed champion before losing the belt to Israel Adesanya in 2019.
Since losing the title, Whittaker has remained one of the top contenders in the division. He has fought the best middleweights in the world multiple times but has been unable to reclaim the championship.
Whittaker’s decision to move up in weight would mark a major shift in his career. The former champion has competed at 185 pounds for most of his time in the UFC.
The move to light heavyweight would put Whittaker in a new division with different challenges. At 205 pounds, he would face larger fighters but would avoid the difficult weight cut he currently makes to reach 185.
Final Decision Still Pending
Despite saying he is ’90 percent’ certain, Whittaker has not made his move official yet. The fighter appears to be taking time to fully commit to the decision before announcing his next fight.
The light heavyweight division currently features champion Alex Pereira at the top. Other top contenders include Jamahal Hill, Magomed Ankalaev, and Jan Blachowicz.
Whittaker would enter the division as an experienced former champion with high-level skills. His striking ability and defensive wrestling have made him successful at middleweight for years.
The change would also mean Whittaker no longer has to cut as much weight before fights. Many fighters have found success moving up in weight later in their careers.
Whittaker has not announced when his next fight will take place. The UFC has not confirmed any matchups for the former champion at either weight class.
The fighter’s comments suggest he is ready to leave middleweight behind after achieving almost everything possible in the division. His only remaining goal at 185 pounds would be reclaiming the title he once held.
If Whittaker does move to light heavyweight, it would create new matchup possibilities. He has never faced any of the current top fighters at 205 pounds.
The former champion said he has been thinking about the move for some time. His ’90 percent’ certainty indicates the decision is nearly finalized but not yet complete.
