Robert Whittaker: ‘I definitely have a few more in me now’ thanks to light heavyweight move

Robert Whittaker has closed the book on his middleweight career and is embracing a fresh start at light heavyweight, competing for the first time in the division this Saturday at UFC 329 in Las Vegas against veteran Nikita Krylov.

The former UFC middleweight champion spent 12 years cutting weight to 185 pounds, a process he describes as brutal and draining. The move up to 205 pounds has been transformative. "The middleweight Rob Whittaker chapter has closed," he said at media day. "I'm very happy as a light heavyweight. It is honestly life-changing." Whittaker reports improved recovery, better nutrition during camp, and enhanced mood—a stark contrast to recent years when he found himself counting down the days until fights ended rather than staying mentally locked in.

The 35-year-old's decision comes after a difficult stretch at middleweight. He dropped his last two bouts: a split decision loss to Reinier de Ridder and a submission defeat to Khamzat Chimaev. More than the losses themselves, the miserable camp experiences convinced Whittaker that change was necessary. He has since trained at City Kickboxing and brought his full support system to fight week—changes that he credits with restoring his enjoyment of the sport.

Whittaker believes the lighter weight cut will extend his career longevity. "I definitely have a few more in me now," he said, contrasting his current mindset with the exhaustion that plagued his recent middleweight runs. He has no plans to return to 185 pounds, especially as former rivals like Khamzat Chimaev, Reinier de Ridder, and Paulo Costa have also moved to light heavyweight.

Krylov (9-7 in the UFC) is no tune-up opponent. The veteran holds notable wins over Alexander Gustafsson, Volkan Oezdemir, and Johnny Walker, and knocked out Modestas Bukauskas this past January. Nevertheless, Whittaker enters Saturday confident in his new division.