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Former UFC middleweight king Robert Whittaker has committed to a permanent move to 205. | đź“·: 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.
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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,” 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.”
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.”
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.
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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