Robert Whittaker already feels his career has been extended before making his 205-pound debut.

Whittaker is scheduled to enter a light heavyweight bout for the first time on Saturday. The former UFC Middleweight Champion will meet Nikita Krylov in the featured preliminary bout of the UFC 329 card in Las Vegas. This will be Whittaker's first bout since his quick submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev back in 2024.

Now that he is done with the 185-pound weight class, Whittaker feels there is new life in his run as a prizefighter. “The Reaper†discussed how crucial making the jump to light heavyweight was during UFC 329 media day (via MMAFighting).

“The middleweight Rob Whittaker chapter has closed,†Whittaker said. “I'm very happy as a light heavyweight. It is honestly life-changing. I recommend it to anybody. … I still do have to cut weight, it's just not as brutal. It's not as bad.

“I was able to fuel myself much more during the camp. Recovery was much higher. My moods were better. Everything was just better for it.â€

Whittaker wanted to make it clear that despite feeling his fighting career has been extended, he won't go beyond a certain point.

“Let's be honest, I don't want to be fighting for another five years by any means, I've got other things I want to do,†Whittaker said. “I want to play Masters soccer, things like that. But I definitely have a few more in me now because the way I was feeling after the last couple of fights, the camps, how drained I was for them, how much of a grind it was, dragging my feet to get to everything. Comparatively, I definitely have a new love and lease on the game.â€

BJPenn.com's own Cole Shelton recently spoke to Whittaker, who praised Krylov as a worthy opponent for his light heavyweight debut. Whittaker said he's aware of how dangerous Krylov can be, but he feels he can capitalize on openings to secure the win on Saturday.

How do you see Robert Whittaker's light heavyweight debut playing out on Saturday? Sound off in the comments below.

Max Holloway would rather have a competitive clash with Conor McGregor than a one-sided victory.

Holloway will get his chance at revenge when he meets the former two-division UFC champion on Saturday. “Blessed†fell short against McGregor all the way back in 2013, and the two will collide again in the UFC 329 headliner. Holloway is the betting favorite going into his welterweight debut, but some feel McGregor's punching power and experience at 170 pounds must be taken into account.

Speaking to reporters during UFC 329 media day, Holloway initially said his goal was to give McGregor a beatdown. He has changed his mind in hopes of securing a trilogy fight (via MMAFighting).

“I'm going in there and put paws on him,†Holloway said. “I'm going to make him wish that he didn't come back—actually no, I'm not going to make him wish that. I'm going to make him think that he can do it one more time so we can rematch at the end of the year.â€

Holloway understands the magnitude of sharing the Octagon with McGregor, as well as how rare a moment like this is in MMA. His main focus is to finally have a win over his old rival.

“It's huge,†Holloway said. “Who would have thought Conor was even coming back after what happened with the injury and with him and his other injury at a fight that he had, so it's just big. I finally get to right a wrong and I'm looking forward to it.â€

It would do Holloway wonders if he can have a stellar showing given that his last outing ended with a whimper. “Blessed†was defeated by Charles Oliveira in a BMF Championship fight that saw him get outgrappled for five rounds. If Holloway can get back on track against McGregor, it would help alleviate the sting of that disappointing outing.

How competitive do you expect Conor McGregor to be against Max Holloway at UFC 329 on Saturday? Leave a comment below.

Conor McGregor is continuing to take aim at Justin Gaethje.

McGregor has never been shy in sharing his thoughts on other fighters whether they're on his radar or not. The “Notorious†one is making his comeback fight in the welterweight division, yet he has shared some harsh words for the newly crowned UFC Lightweight Champion. The Irishman recently told UFC on Paramount that he thinks Gaethje is “woeful†inside the Octagon.

During a UFC 329 media day session, McGregor spoke to reporters and Gaethje's name was mentioned. “The Highlight†recently appeared on “The Jim Rome Show†to express his desire to punch McGregor in the face. Never one to hold his tongue, McGregor fired back (h/t MMAJunkie).

“Join the queue, join the queue. There's a few,†McGregor said. “Yeah, look, he has the lightweight belt, fair play to him. Holloway put him face down, ass up, though. Badly, badly face down. I'm not even thinking about it this time. Will I go down to lightweight again? Also is another thing I'm not so sure. I fancy the triple crown, so less of the disrespect, you f*cking bum.â€

The next move for Gaethje remains to be seen, but he told Joe Rogan that he doesn't see himself retiring just yet. He also doesn't believe he will have another fight for the rest of 2026.

McGregor will need to stay focused on Saturday night. He is set to have his first bout in five years when he meets Max Holloway inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “Mystic Mac†and “Blessed†first collided back in 2013, which was long before either man reached their peak in the sport of MMA. McGregor won that fight via unanimous decision, but he suffered a torn ACL in the process.

Any chance we see Conor McGregor vs. Justin Gaethje before one or both men hang up the gloves? Chime in with your opinion in the comments below.