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?

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!