Robert Whittaker is leaving the middleweight division behind for good. The former UFC middleweight champion has confirmed that his upcoming clash with Nikita Krylov at UFC 329 will mark the start of his full-time run at light heavyweight. After spending the bulk of his UFC career at 185 pounds, Whittaker says his future now lies in the 205-pound division.
Whittaker closes the door on middleweight
Speaking at UFC 329 media day, Whittaker made it clear that his run in the middleweight division has come to an end.
“The chapter has closed,”
“I’m very happy as a light heavyweight. It is honestly life-changing.”
The Australian views Saturday’s fight as the beginning of a new stage in his career.
“It’s a new chapter, a new page.”
A fresh experience after years of weight cuts
Whittaker admitted that not having to cut down to 185 pounds has made a huge difference during fight week.
“Honestly, it really is life-changing for me,”
He explained that previous fight weeks were often dominated by the challenges of making weight.
“Normally, by this period, I’m hungry, waterloading, and longing to go home and missing my wife and kids.”
“So yeah, I’m at a good place right now.”