Robert Whittaker will make his light heavyweight debut against Nikita Krylov at UFC 329 on July 11.

What prompted the move?

Whittaker struggled with weight cuts at middleweight, which affected his preparation and performances.

The decision to move up

After a split-decision loss to Reinier de Ridder in July 2025, Whittaker decided to stop forcing his body to reach the 185-pound limit.

He said the final weeks of training camp had become increasingly difficult, especially the last four or five weeks when he had to try and get his weight down.

A new beginning

Whittaker wants to enjoy the process of training rather than dreading the scale, and believes his speed, experience, and improved energy levels will allow him to compete successfully against larger opponents.

The Australian has intentionally transformed his body for life at 205 pounds, and his current physique reflects years of strength development rather than added body fat.

Whittaker is still walking around 220 to 225 pounds, pretty lean, because he is just heavy.

The first test

A victory against Nikita Krylov would immediately establish Whittaker as a legitimate threat in a new division and potentially extend the championship aspirations of one of the UFC's most respected former titleholders.

Whittaker's retirement 'fairytale' is to have his final fight in Australia, and he hopes to have a few more fights before that.

He wants to feel good and enjoy the training, rather than just going through the motions.

The 35-year-old Whittaker is looking forward to a new chapter in his career, and is excited to see what the future holds.

Whittaker dismissed the idea that he's simply a middleweight who no longer wants to diet, insisting he has done all the right things to prepare for life at 205 pounds.

He is not just a middleweight who can eat more now, but rather a fighter who has leaned up and is in a much more natural weight range for himself.

Whittaker's move to light heavyweight is a significant one, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in his new division.

The UFC 329 event is scheduled to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11.

Whittaker's fight against Nikita Krylov is expected to be a thrilling one, and fans will be eager to see how the Australian performs in his light heavyweight debut.