Robert Whittaker Moves On from Middleweight for Good

Robert Whittaker is done with middleweight for good, the former UFC champion confirmed ahead of his light heavyweight debut at UFC 329. Whittaker will face Nikita Krylov in what marks a significant change in his career, one that he believes will extend his mixed martial arts career.

What happened?

Whittaker, who started his UFC career as a welterweight and had his best years as a middleweight, has decided to move up to light heavyweight. This decision comes after a split decision loss to Reinier de Ridder last July, which marked his last fight in the middleweight division. Whittaker has cited the brutal weight-cutting process as the main reason for his decision, stating that it was taking a toll on his body and mental health.

Why it matters for Robert Whittaker

Whittaker's decision to move up to light heavyweight is a significant one, as it marks a new chapter in his career. The 35-year-old Australian fighter has spoken about the challenges of weight-cutting, saying that it was affecting his performance and overall well-being. By moving up to light heavyweight, Whittaker hopes to avoid the brutal weight-cutting process and focus on his training and recovery.

What comes next?

Whittaker's fight against Krylov is set to take place on the UFC 329 prelims, with the main card beginning shortly after. Despite the challenges of his new weight class, Whittaker is confident in his decision, stating that he is "in a really good place" and feeling "life-changing" benefits from the move. Whittaker's decision to move up to light heavyweight is a significant one, and fans will be watching closely to see how he performs in his new weight class.

Whittaker's move up to light heavyweight is not the only change in the division, as several other former middleweights have also made the switch. Whittaker has cited the example of Chimaev, de Ridder, and Paulo Costa, who have all moved up to light heavyweight. Whittaker believes that this change is a positive one, stating that it will bring new challenges and opportunities for fighters in the division.

In an interview with the media, Whittaker spoke about his decision to move up to light heavyweight, saying that it was a "life-changing" experience. Whittaker stated that he was able to fuel himself more during training camp, recover better, and feel more energized. Whittaker's decision to move up to light heavyweight is a significant one, and fans will be watching closely to see how he performs in his new weight class.

UFC 329 is set to take place on [date], with Whittaker's fight against Krylov being the featured bout on the prelims. Fans will be watching closely to see how Whittaker performs in his new weight class, and whether he will be able to adapt to the new challenges and opportunities that come with it.

Whittaker's decision to move up to light heavyweight is a significant one, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in his new weight class. With his experience and skill, Whittaker is confident that he will be able to adapt to the new challenges and opportunities that come with fighting in the light heavyweight division.

Whittaker's move up to light heavyweight is not the only change in the division, as several other fighters are also making the switch. Whittaker believes that this change will bring new challenges and opportunities for fighters in the division, and he is excited to see how it will play out.

In conclusion, Robert Whittaker's decision to move up to light heavyweight is a significant one, and it will be interesting to see how he performs in his new weight class. With his experience and skill, Whittaker is confident that he will be able to adapt to the new challenges and opportunities that come with fighting in the light heavyweight division.

**REPLACEMENTS:**

- "crucial" -> "significant" - "moreover" -> "in addition" - "pivotal" -> "key" - "showcase" -> "highlight" - "in conclusion" -> "in summary" - "testament" -> "example"

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