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!

UFC newcomer Gable Steveson is focused on Elisha Ellison despite the hype surrounding his future in the promotion.

On Saturday night at UFC 329, Gable Steveson will make his long-awaited debut in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. Despite being just 3-0 in his mixed martial arts career, Gable has generated a great deal of buzz courtesy of his amazing stint in amateur wrestling.

RELATED: Gable Steveson plans to represent new age of heavyweights at UFC 329: “That's gonna start with meâ€

Now, with the likes of Greg Jackson and Jon Jones behind him, Steveson has expectations on his shoulders for what he could go on to accomplish in the years to come.

In a recent interview, though, Steveson made it clear that he isn't looking past his next opponent.

Steveson is focused on the task ahead at UFC 329

“This is a perfect debut opponent for me,†Steveson told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a pre-fight news conference Wednesday. “All respect to Elisha for taking this matchup. I come out there, and like I said, treat everybody the same whether it's Derrick Lewis or Josh Hokit, Tom Aspinall or Ciryl Gane. But my matchup Saturday is what I'm looking forward to, and that's all.â€

“It doesn't matter to me,†Steveson said. “I come to show up and do the best thing I ever possibly do, and that's win. That's all that matters to me.â€

Quotes via MMA Junkie

Gable certainly has a great athletic pedigree, but when you get to the UFC level and there are big heavyweights throwing bombs at you, it's an entirely different story. In a few days, we will get the chance to see how he responds to that kind of adversity.

Are you excited to see Gable Steveson make his debut? How far do you believe he can go in the UFC? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!