​Robert Whittaker has prepared himself to step into UFC 329 as a legitimate contender at light heavyweight. The former UFC middleweight champion, carrying a pro record of 26-9 (17-7 UFC), will make his 205-pound debut against Nikita Krylov (31-11 MMA, 12-9 UFC) in Saturday’s featured prelim at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, streaming on Paramount+. Whittaker insists that he has built his body and game to fit the light heavyweight division, aiming to prove he can compete effectively at 205 pounds.
Krylov is known for a high finish rate, but his losses have frequently come by stoppage. Whittaker emphasized a cautious yet assertive approach to the challenge, saying: “Be patient, respect his power, respect his aggressiveness, his kill-or-be-killed attitude, and just use my movement to open up holes, to open up opportunities. And when I see them, send him home.” The plan, Whittaker suggested, is to rely on his movement and timing to exploit Krylov’s openings and finish the fight on his terms.
For this camp, Whittaker spent significant time training with City Kickboxing, the camp that also houses current UFC light heavyweight champion Carlos Ulberg. He noted that he trained with larger athletes during the early portions of the camp to build strength and resilience. “I did a lot of the camp with bigger boys,” Whittaker explained. “The backend of the camp, I went to City Kickboxing. I was training exclusively with the likes of Navajo Sterling and Tyson Pedro, and those guys are huge fellas, huge bodies to work with. And I can tang le with them. Obviously, training is not fighting, and power and punches is the ultimate equalizer. But that’s the risk you take with every fight in every division.”
Whittaker’s preparation also included embracing the realities of stepping up in weight. He acknowledged that moving up a division brings different challenges, including power and pace, and that facing bigger, stronger opponents demands careful strategy. He stressed that his approach will hinge on movement, distance control, and the ability to create openings rather than chasing a single shot. He believes his technique and footwork will help him neutralize Krylov’s strengths and capitalize on his vulnerabilities as the fight unfolds.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie and was focused on Whittaker’s cautious, movement-centered game plan for Krylov, highlighting the importance of patience, respect for Krylov’s power, and the deliberate use of movement to prompt opportunities that could lead to a victory at light heavyweight.