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.

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?

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.