Former UFC champion Robert Whittaker is making a significant career shift. The longtime middleweight contender will be making his debut at 205 pounds at UFC 329.
Whittaker will be facing veteran Nikita Krylov in Las Vegas. The matchup was first reported by Russian outlet Vestnik MMA.
At 35, he will be stepping into a new division after more than a decade competing at welterweight and middleweight.
A new chapter at 205
Whittaker’s UFC run began at welterweight back in 2012. He later moved to middleweight, where he built his legacy. Over the years, he had a 14-5 record in the division and accomplished an interim gold with a win over Yoel Romero at UFC 213.
That run eventually led to undisputed championship status. Whittaker is considered as one of the most respected fighters at 185 pounds through consistency and sheer determination.
Various news outlets confirmed that he will be fighting Krylov next, at UFC 329.
Is this a good decision?
His decision came after two consecutive losses against Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder. The change in weight class offers challenges of its own, however.
At light heavyweight, Whittaker will face much bigger contenders, starting with Krylov, a seasoned fighter known for his aggressive gamestyle and finishing ability.
Given how he struggled versus some of the bigger or taller contenders at Middleweight (de Ridder and Izzy, for example), it remains to be seen how he will deal with the elite at an even higher weight class.