,Robert Whittaker believes the toughest opponent of his career hasn’t been another fighter it has been the scale. The former UFC middleweight champion is hoping a move to 205 pounds changes that.
Whittaker will make his light heavyweight debut against Nikita Krylov in the featured preliminary bout at UFC 329 on July 11 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, marking the beginning of what he hopes will be a revitalized final chapter of his UFC career.
After years of competing at middleweight, Whittaker says the weight cuts had become increasingly difficult and were beginning to impact both his preparation and performances inside the Octagon.
Speaking with former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson, Whittaker admitted he simply wasn’t enjoying the process anymore.
“This is the best I think I’ve felt for my career holistically,” Whittaker said. “This is a much more natural weight for me.” “The last couple of camps I just have not enjoyed because of the amount of sacrifice and skipping of food that I’ve had to do.”
Weight Cuts Took Their Toll
Whittaker’s decision comes after a split-decision loss to Reinier de Ridder in July 2025, a fight that convinced him it was time to stop forcing his body to reach the 185-pound limit.
According to Whittaker, the final weeks of training camp had become increasingly difficult. “Especially the last four or five weeks when I’d really have to try and get my weight down to get into weight-cut range for middleweight.”
“It was just too much, and I think it started affecting me in the fights themselves.”
Now 35 years old, Whittaker wants to spend the latter stages of his career enjoying training rather than dreading the scale.
“This is a bit of the end period of my career,” he said. “I want to enjoy the process a little bit more, I want to enjoy the training. I want to feel good.”
A True Light Heavyweight
Whittaker dismissed the idea that he’s simply a middleweight who no longer wants to diet. Instead, he insists he has intentionally transformed his body for life at 205 pounds.
“I’ve done all the right things,” Whittaker explained. “I’m not going to light heavyweight as an out-of-shape middleweight.” “I’m not just a middleweight who can eat more now.” “I’ve been doing the right things, I’ve leaned up, I’m in a much more natural weight range for myself.”
The Australian says his current physique reflects years of strength development rather than added body fat. “I’m still walking around 220 to 225 pretty lean because I’m just heavy.”
New Division, New Opportunity
Although Whittaker lacks the towering frame many associate with the light heavyweight division, he believes his speed, experience, and improved energy levels will allow him to compete successfully against larger opponents.
His first test comes against veteran contender Nikita Krylov, who has spent the majority of his UFC career competing at 205 pounds.
A victory 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.
After years of battling the scale, Whittaker believes his biggest advantage entering UFC 329 isn’t his striking or wrestling—it’s finally competing at the weight his body was built for.
Bill Haney Rejects Reported 70-30 Gervonta Davis Split, Counters With 55-45 Offer
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
Robert LaMar is a Deputy Editor for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
