TLDR
- Robert Whittaker makes his light heavyweight debut Saturday against Nikita Krylov at UFC 329 in Las Vegas
- The former middleweight champion says moving to 205 pounds is ‘life-changing’ and has improved his training, recovery, and mood
- Whittaker’s brutal weight cuts to middleweight had him considering retirement after 17 years in MMA
- He is riding back-to-back losses to Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder but feels refreshed at the new weight
- Whittaker says he doesn’t want to fight for five more years but believes he has ‘a few more’ fights in him now
Sources: bjpenn.com | yardbarker.com
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker will make his light heavyweight debut Saturday against Nikita Krylov at UFC 329 in Las Vegas. The bout marks Whittaker’s first fight since losing to Khamzat Chimaev by submission in 2024.
Whittaker told reporters at Wednesday’s media day that moving up to 205 pounds has transformed his entire training experience. “The middleweight Rob Whittaker chapter has closed,” he said.
“I’m very happy as a light heavyweight. It is honestly life-changing,” Whittaker explained. “I recommend it to anybody.”
Weight Cuts Were Taking Their Toll
The 35-year-old Australian fighter said the weight cut to middleweight had become brutal enough to consider retirement. He once fought as low as welterweight earlier in his 17-year career.
Whittaker explained that he still needs to cut weight at light heavyweight, but the process is far less severe. “I was able to fuel myself much more during the camp,” he said. “Recovery was much higher. My moods were better. Everything was just better for it.”
The former champion described how his final training camps at middleweight left him drained. He said he was “dragging my feet to get to everything” during those preparations.
Whittaker is currently riding back-to-back losses to Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder. This is only the second time in his career he has lost consecutive fights.
⚖️Robert Whittaker says he’s 220-225lbs lean right now
“I’m not just a middleweight who can eat more now, I’ve been doing the right things, I’ve leaned out”
via @MightyMouse pic.twitter.com/3VDIBmBkUM
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) July 2, 2026
Limited Time Remaining But Feeling Refreshed
Despite feeling his career has been extended by the move, Whittaker made clear he won’t fight indefinitely. “Let’s be honest, I don’t want to be fighting for another five years by any means, I’ve got other things I want to do,” he said.
He mentioned wanting to play Masters soccer after his fighting career ends. “But I definitely have a few more in me now,” Whittaker added, comparing his current mindset to the grind of his recent middleweight camps.
Whittaker said he has “a new love and lease on the game” thanks to the improved training conditions at light heavyweight.
The fighter acknowledged the increased danger that comes with facing larger opponents at 205 pounds. Krylov enters the bout with 31 career victories and is coming off a knockout win over Modestas Bukauskas in January.
“You see, power is the ultimate equalizer, and I understand that,” Whittaker said. “It doesn’t matter how technical you are; if you get hit hard by a heavy dude, it’s going to hurt.”
Max Holloway Wants Conor McGregor Competitive So He Can Beat Him Again
However, Whittaker believes his speed and technical skills remain championship caliber even against heavier fighters. He told reporters that he sees openings he can capitalize on against Krylov.
Whittaker praised Krylov as a worthy opponent for his light heavyweight debut. He said he’s aware of how dangerous his opponent can be on Saturday night.
The bout between Whittaker and Krylov is scheduled for the featured preliminary card at UFC 329. The main event features Conor McGregor facing Max Holloway, with the full card streaming on Paramount Plus.
