Robert Whittaker is '90%' convinced he'll move up to light heavyweight this year, leaving the middleweight division after over a decade.
The 35-year-old has been a 185-pound mainstay, known for brutal fights against Yoel Romero and Derek Brunson.
What's behind the move?
Whittaker walks around at 235 pounds and has found recent weight cuts to 185 pounds hard.
He's tired of being the same old "Reaper" and wants to surprise fans and opponents alike.
Why light heavyweight?
The division is open, with good fights to be had, and Whittaker believes his skill set can prevail.
He's already faced current UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev and lost to the No. 1-ranked contender, Dricus du Plessis.
What comes next?
Whittaker will stay in Las Vegas and have tentative conversations with the UFC about the move.
He wants to lock in a fight for June and give himself a proper three to four months to work on new things.
A short run at light heavyweight could yield a title shot, with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira teasing a move to heavyweight.
Whittaker knows top contender Carlos Ulberg from the New Zealand fight scene and has ruled out fighting him.
He's focused on the new division and location for his comeback, hoping to fight on the White House card in June.
The UFC's prospective event is tentatively scheduled for June, with Dana White and matchmakers expected to construct the card in the coming weeks.
Whittaker announced he's coming back in June, seeking an extended camp to work on new things.
He feels the division is open, with fresh challenges and a potential title shot in sight.
Whittaker has lost to Khamzat Chimaev by brutal first-round neck crank and to Dricus du Plessis, but remains confident.
He's always one to two wins from a title shot conversation, even in the middleweight division.
The UFC light heavyweight championship may soon be vacant, with former champs Jiri Prochazka and Magomed Ankalaev potentially competing for the title.
Whittaker wants to fight in June and be on the White House card, which would be awesome.
He's looking forward to a new challenge and a potential title shot in the light heavyweight division.