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 Conor McGregor continues to plead his innocence despite being found liable in his civil sexual assault case.

On Saturday night, Conor McGregor will make his return to the Octagon for the first time in five years. He will collide with Max Holloway, and while it may be taking place at welterweight, many believe that Max is the favorite given the amount of time that the Irishman has been away from active competition.

RELATED: Conor McGregor's team slams steroid use allegations after The New York Times ‘hit job'

As we know, in that time, McGregor was found liable in a civil sexual assault case dating back to late 2018. As you can imagine, this led to a lot of backlash for the former two-weight UFC world champion, with a lot of critics now questioning why the UFC has opened the door for him to return.

In a recent pre-fight scrum, McGregor had the following to say on the topic.

McGregor talks about sexual assault case

“I'm an innocent man, and I'll stand for my innocence until the day I go out,†McGregor told MMA Junkie and other reporters, as he sat at the podium, three days prior to his headlining battle vs. Max Holloway. “That is still a situation where I fight. There's a reason where it didn't go where it went and went to a civil trial. It is what it is. It stings deep. I continue to fight. I know the truth, and I know that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. I know anything done in darkness will soon come to light, and I trust in God that it's coming. You best believe it's coming. I look very, very forward to the day.â€

Quotes via MMA Junkie

Regardless of what Conor actually says, this is certainly going to be something that follows him not just for the rest of his career, but for the rest of his life.

What is your take on the Conor McGregor sexual assault civil case? Does it impact his legacy in your eyes? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!

Paddy Pimblett took issue with the lightweight title case of
Arman Tsarukyan (pictured). | 📷: Getty/UFC

Paddy
Pimblett doesn’t believe Arman
Tsarukyan has done enough to deserve a title shot.

Pimblett recently criticized Tsarukyan’s inactivity in the
Ultimate Fighting Championship and urged him to stop “tickling
people” in wrestling matches if he wants to stay relevant.

Paddy Pimblett discusses Arman Tsarukyan's lightweight title
hopes

Ahead of his upcoming fight in the co-main event of
UFC 329 against Benoit St.
Denis, Pimblett scoffed at the suggestion that Tsarukyan should
be considered next for a title shot.

“He needs to fight,†Pimblett said at UFC 329 media day when asked
about Tsarukyan. “He's had like one fight in three years, and he
beat an absolute bum. He needs to actually fight. Not go around in
a singlet tickling people.â€

Tsarukyan has competed in multiple RAF wrestling events lately,
with his last appearance in the Octagon coming against Dan Hooker in
November of last year, a result Pimblett clearly doesn't rate very
highly. “[Fight] anyone. Just fight someone,†he further added.
“Get in the Octagon and actually fight. Stop going around on your
private jet eating food.â€

Tsarukyan has been campaigning for a title shot for quite some time
now, but current lightweight champion Justin
Gaethje, who's coming off wins over Pimblett and Ilia
Topuria, hasn't welcomed the matchup, seemingly eyeing more
high-profile fights.