Former UFC middleweight king Robert Whittaker has committed to a
permanent move to 205. | 📷: Getty/UFC

Robert
Whittaker acknowledges the “risk and threat†of moving up to
light heavyweight in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Ahead of his fight with Nikita
Krylov at
UFC 329 on Saturday, July 11, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas,
Whittaker reflected on how power is among the most important
factors in the light heavyweight division, regardless of individual
skill level.

Robert Whittaker breaks down the dangers of light heavyweight
move

Whittaker, who has committed to a permanent move up to the light
heavyweight division, spoke about the challenging aspects of the
move ahead of UFC 329. The Australian highlighted that power is the
equalizer and that, irrespective of technical ability, almost all
strikes absorbed at 205 pounds will be damaging.

“You see, power is the ultimate equaliser, and I understand that,â€
the former UFC middleweight champion said in a recent interview. “I
understand that you don't… It doesn't matter how technical you are;
if you get hit hard by a heavy dude, it's going to hurt. So, I
understand the risk and the threat. That is the danger of moving up
to light heavyweight.â€

Nevertheless, Whittaker remains confident his skills will translate
to the heavier division.

“But I believe my skill set is champion level,†he added. “The
speed that I have, the physicality that I have, are at a champion
level, and I am going to bring them.â€

Whittaker is coming off back-to-back losses at middleweight, which
prompted the move. Krylov, his next opponent, is a seasoned veteran
and a natural 205-pounder. However, the Ukrainian-born Russian
isn't known for his power, relying on durability and grappling
skills instead.

UFC star Paddy Pimblett has spoken about the goalposts being moved after Justin Gaethje's huge UFC Freedom 250 triumph.

In the co-main event of UFC 329, Paddy Pimblett will attempt to vault himself back into contention for the UFC lightweight championship when he faces off against Benoit Saint Denis, someone who will also feel like he is on the verge of earning a crack at the gold.

RELATED: Paddy Pimblett believes he can secure Conor McGregor bout after UFC 329: ‘I'll fight him at welterweight in MSG'

At the start of the year, Pimblett fell short in his attempt to win the interim belt when he lost to Justin Gaethje, who proceeded to shock the world and defeat Ilia Topuria to become the undisputed king at 155 pounds.

In a recent pre-fight scrum, Pimblett had the following to say about the ever-changing narrative changes in MMA.

Pimblett reflects on battle with Gaethje

“I got wrote off after that,†Pimblett told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday ahead of Saturday's event at T-Mobile Arena. “Everybody said I got beat by him, an old man. Then, he goes and does that to Ilia Topuria, and all of a sudden he's the best thing since sliced bread. This just shows how the goalposts get moved constantly.â€

“… I said that after I fought him. I got more respect losing a fight than I did winning seven in a row in the UFC. It just shows how mad our fanbase is, doesn't it?â€

“With him winning and becoming undisputed champion, it looks good for me. I said that after he beat me. I said he was going to beat Ilia Topuria. I said it was fate that he beat me. It was his destiny. He was going to win the world title at the White House. I was just in the way.â€

Quotes via MMA Junkie

Will Paddy Pimblett find his way to a UFC world title shot in the future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!

Terrance McKinney wants to make a statement at UFC 329.

McKinney is set to open up the UFC 329 main card against King Green in what should be a fan-friendly fight for however long it lasts. When McKinney got the fight offer to fight on a Conor McGregor card and against an opponent like Green, it was an immediate yes, despite it being on rather short notice.

“It was five weeks out, and I was like, that was too big of an opportunity to not say yes to,†McKinney said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com. “I was close to 200lbs, and I got my weight down. I'm blessed to be on a card like this.â€

McKinney knows getting to open up the main card of a McGregor fight is huge. So, he believes this is the biggest fight of his career to date.

“This is a huge opportunity, and it's cool to fight a big name in the company,†McKinney added. “It helps solidify me and helps me get a ranked opponent. … You can't overlook him, he's crafty and awkward, you have to respect him, or you pay the piper. I know he's dangerous, but so am I. I'm ready to give the fans a show.â€

As Terrance McKinney said, he plans to give the fans a show, so he's hopeful King Green will want to meet in the middle and throw down with him. If that happens, he expects to get a first-round finish to send a statement to the lightweight division.

“I'm not taking him lightly, but no matter who it is, there's a possibility I get him out of there in the first round. And, I have the tools to do that on the feet or on the ground. I'm excited to meet him in the middle and scrap. … I'm down to stand-up, but the pressure and size difference, I bet he shoots,†McKinney said.

Should McKinney get the first-round stoppage win at UFC 329, he expects it will lead to a ranked opponent next time out.

“I think I get a ranked opponent next. Lord willing, everything goes to plan, I shoot for a ranked opponent after that. Take it fight by fight and fight for the belt when it's all said and done,†McKinney concluded.

Do you think Terrance McKinney will beat King Green at UFC 329?