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.

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.

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.