Robert Whittaker calls light heavyweight move 'life-changing' ahead of UFC 329

Robert Whittaker says his move to heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight has transformed his entire fight camp experience.

The former UFC middleweight champion will make his 205-pound debut against Nikita Krylov on the UFC 329 prelims Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. According to MMA Mania, Whittaker told reporters at Wednesday's media day that the shift up in weight has improved everything from his recovery to his mood. "The middleweight Rob Whittaker chapter has closed," he said. "I'm very happy as a light heavyweight. It is honestly life changing."

What moving up means for Whittaker's future

Whittaker is riding back-to-back losses to Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder, the second time in his 17-year career he has dropped consecutive bouts. The 35-year-old Australian once fought as low as welterweight but told media he struggled through his final camps at middleweight. The weight cut was brutal enough that he considered walking away from the sport. Now at heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">light heavyweight, he still cuts weight but not nearly as severely, allowing him to fuel his body better throughout training.

Still, Whittaker acknowledged the risks that come with facing larger opponents. Krylov enters off a knockout win over Modestas Bukauskas in January and carries 31 career victories. "You see, power is the ultimate equalizer, and I understand that," Whittaker said, per the report. "It doesn't matter how technical you are; if you get hit hard by a heavy dude, it's going to hurt." He added that he believes his speed and skill set are championship caliber even against the heavier hitters at 205 pounds.

UFC 329 streams Saturday on Paramount Plus with Conor McGregor facing Max Holloway in the main event. Whittaker and Krylov are scheduled for the early prelims.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — ‘Happy’ Robert Whittaker celebrates ‘life-changing’ move to light heavyweight, but understands ‘danger’ waiting at UFC 329