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.

Paddy Pimblett took issue with the lightweight title case of
Arman Tsarukyan (pictured). | 📷: Getty/UFC

Paddy
Pimblett doesn’t believe Arman
Tsarukyan has done enough to deserve a title shot.

Pimblett recently criticized Tsarukyan’s inactivity in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship and urged him to stop “tickling
people” in wrestling matches if he wants to stay relevant.

Paddy Pimblett discusses Arman Tsarukyan's lightweight title
hopes

Ahead of his upcoming fight in the co-main event of
UFC 329 against Benoit St.
Denis, Pimblett scoffed at the suggestion that Tsarukyan should
be considered next for a title shot.

“He needs to fight,†Pimblett said at UFC 329 media day when asked
about Tsarukyan. “He's had like one fight in three years, and he
beat an absolute bum. He needs to actually fight. Not go around in
a singlet tickling people.â€

Tsarukyan has competed in multiple RAF wrestling events lately,
with his last appearance in the Octagon coming against Dan Hooker in
November of last year, a result Pimblett clearly doesn't rate very
highly. “[Fight] anyone. Just fight someone,†he further added.
“Get in the Octagon and actually fight. Stop going around on your
private jet eating food.â€

Tsarukyan has been campaigning for a title shot for quite some time
now, but current lightweight champion Justin
Gaethje, who's coming off wins over Pimblett and Ilia
Topuria, hasn't welcomed the matchup, seemingly eyeing more
high-profile fights.

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker speaks with MMA Fighting's Jose Youngs about his love for Skyrim, the original Pokémon, Cyberpunk, The Witcher 3, and more on the latest episode of Anything But Fighting.