MMA
Robert Whittaker admits light heavyweight move comes with major risks
Published
1 month agoon
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.
“I understand the test that is light
heavyweight.â€Robert
Whittaker (@robwhittakermma)
reflects on his move up to 205 and why now was the right moment to
make the change.How To Watch #UFC329
âž¡ï¸: https://t.co/8hweKmO9uwFight by Fight Preview âž¡ï¸: https://t.co/lvHfeifRYK pic.twitter.com/Ead5bQZnvr
— UFC News (@UFCNews)
July 8, 2026
You may like
MMA
Anthony Smith pleads not guilty to four felony charges in Nebraska
Published
8 hours agoon
August 18, 2026
Smith has pleaded not guilty to four felony charges stemming
from a July domestic incident in Nebraska.
Court records confirmed
Smith’s plea, resulting in the cancellation of an arraignment
scheduled for Aug. 17. The former
Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight title
challenger is now due back in court for a status hearing Sept. 21
in Sarpy County.
Former UFC title challenger Anthony Smith faces four felony
charges stemming from an alleged July domestic incident in Gretna,
Nebraska
Smith faces one Class 2 felony count involving an attempted Class 1
offense, a terroristic-threats charge and two counts of
first-degree false imprisonment, all classified as Class 3A
felonies. A Class 2 felony in Nebraska can carry a prison term of
one to 50 years, while Class 3A felonies carry up to three years of
imprisonment and 18 months of post-release supervision.
Prosecutors allege that Smith became involved in an altercation
with his wife at a Gretna, Nebraska, bar on July 26. They claim
Smith threatened to kill his wife, forced her into his vehicle and
later attempted to strike her with the vehicle after she exited it.
His wife was not physically injured, according to prosecutors’
account.
Smith has not publicly addressed the allegations. His wife, Mikhala
Renee Newman, previously offered a different characterization of
the incident, saying Smith was experiencing a mental health crisis
and that she had sought help to protect him from himself.
MMA
Sean Strickland trades heated DMs with Tyron Woodley over Din Thomas cornering controversy
Published
8 hours agoon
August 18, 2026
Credit: Michelle Farsi/Chris Unger/Matt Winkelmeyer/Zuffa LLCUFC middleweight champion Sean Strickland and former titleholder Tyron Woodley engaged in a war of words over Din Thomas.
UFC analyst and former fighter Din Thomas is under intense criticism after ‘retiring' as a cornerman following Gillian Robertson's loss at UFC 330. Robertson lost to UFC women's strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern by unanimous decision with Thomas, her longtime mentor and coach, in her corner.
After massive backlash, Thomas apologized for his ‘retirement' during the most recent episode of Deep Waters alongside Dustin Poirier and Jorge Masvidal. Robertson, in her first post-fight comments after UFC 330, appeared to question the sincerity of Thomas' apology.
Enter Sean Strickland, who went on an X-rated social media rant against Thomas as the controversy built steam over the weekend. Strickland defended Robertson's performance and blasted Thomas' critical remarks in the immediate aftermath of the fight.
After Strickland's remarks went viral, one of Thomas' closest confidants, former UFC welterweight champ Tyron Woodley, defended the coach against Strickland's attacks.
Sean Strickland, Tyron Woodley trade threats over Din Thomas controversy
As Strickland leaked on Instagram, Woodley gave him a stern warning after the middleweight champ's recent remarks about Thomas following UFC 330.
“Watch your mouth talking about Din,†Woodley messaged Strickland.
“You have no clue WTF you talking about, we laugh all the time when you have no filter, but you a habitual line-crosser. I'm ride or die about him. Don't cross that line.â€
Tyron Woodley confronted Sean Strickland in his DMs for talking bad about Din Thomas
Sean Strickland sent him back a screenshot of his 7-fight losing skid 😬
ðŸ—£ï¸ Woodley: “Watch your mouth talking about Din. You have no clue wtf you talking about.â€
ðŸ—£ï¸ Strickland: “Bro what are… pic.twitter.com/MjP2elpaR2
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 18, 2026
Three hours later, Strickland hit back at Woodley.
“Bro, what are you gonna do? You ain't gonna do a damn thing lmao,†Strickland responded to Woodley.
“Din can suck my c—. Weak a– b—-.â€
What are your thoughts on the Din Thomas cornering controversy? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
Teofimo Lopez Challenges Fathers Corner Decisions After Shakur Stevenson Defeat
DWCS Week 2 official after all 10 fighters make weight
Anthony Smith pleads not guilty to four felony charges in Nebraska
Trending
-
MMA2 days agoJalin Turner explains how he handled the burden of hurting his opponents
-
MMA2 days agoDin Thomas retires from cornering after Gillian Robertson’s UFC 330 loss
-
MMA2 days agoIan Machado Garry sends defiant message after Islam Makhachev defeat
-
MMA2 days agoCharles Johnson’s wild UFC 330 submission was no fluke: ‘Once or twice a week’
-
MMA2 days agoChidi Njokuani explains bizarre UFC 330 weigh-in mix-up
-
MMA2 days agoLucas Fernando nearly quit MMA before breakthrough UFC 330 victory
-
MMA2 days agoNeil Magny closes in on Jim Miller’s all-time UFC wins record
-
MMA2 days agoIan Garry confronts Michael Morales at UFC 330: ‘Make sure you back it up’


