Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is set to step on the scale at 205 pounds for his next Octagon appearance, officially moving up to the light heavyweight division. After suffering back-to-back defeats a split decision loss to Reinier de Ridder in July 2025 and a first-round submission to current 185-pound champion Khamzat Chimaev Whittaker has decided it’s time for a change.
“I’m going to give it a go,” Whittaker said on Submission Radio. “I’m on the tail end of my career so I’ve got to try rather than just thinking about what ifs.”
Why the Move Makes Sense
Whittaker began his UFC career at welterweight (170 lbs), later becoming one of the division’s most respected middleweights. But the weight cut has increasingly taken a toll.
He made it clear the issue isn’t making 185 it’s performing optimally after the cut. “There’s no doubt in my mind I could make middleweight… but I just don’t know if I’m getting the best out of myself having to cut that weight.”
Many fighters echo that sentiment: late-camp fatigue, depleted recovery, and diminished performance on fight night can all stem from harsh weight cuts.
At 205, Whittaker believes he can:
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Train harder late in camp
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Preserve strength and explosiveness
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Add muscle mass strategically
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Compete without draining himself
He’s targeting a June return, giving himself roughly four months to properly transition and build into the division.
Career Snapshot
Whittaker holds a 26-9 professional record and owns wins over:
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Ronaldo Souza
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Derek Brunson
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Yoel Romero
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Jared Cannonier
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Darren Till
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Paulo Costa
Despite recent setbacks, “The Reaper” remains one of the most technical and well-rounded fighters of his era.
The Big Question: How Does He Size Up at 205?
Whittaker has long been considered undersized even at middleweight, relying on speed, timing, and footwork rather than sheer physicality. At light heavyweight, he’ll face naturally bigger opponents with longer frames and heavier hands.
But the upside?
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Less strain on his body
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Potential durability boost
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Sharper fight-night cardio
At this stage of his career, Whittaker appears motivated by legacy and curiosity as much as title contention.
“I want to adjust to the weight, I want to perform at the weight. I want to build some muscle.”
June could mark the beginning of a fascinating late-career chapter for one of the UFC’s most respected former champions.
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Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
