Robert Whittaker, the former UFC middleweight champion, has officially announced his transition to the light heavyweight division. This decision follows consecutive defeats in the 185-pound category, with ‘The Reaper’ confirming his next bout will be contested at 205 pounds.
Speaking about his decision, Whittaker shared that he took significant rest after his last fight, focusing on personal development and gaining clarity on his career path. He stated his intention to return to the octagon in June, aiming for a fight at 205 pounds.
Emphasizing a desire to explore new challenges, he added, “I’m going to give it a go… I’m on the tail end of my career, so I’m going to try rather than just thinking about what-ifs.”
Whittaker clarified that this shift wasn’t a sudden impulse, revealing he had considered the move for an extended period. During his break, he had already begun training at a heavier weight, preparing himself mentally and physically for the new division.
While confident in his ability to still make the 185-pound middleweight limit, Whittaker expressed concerns that the strenuous weight cut might be hindering his optimal performance. He noted that camp performance often suffers towards the end of a cut, prompting him to “try something different” and embrace this new chapter in his career.
