​Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker delivered a ruthless finish to Nikita Krylov in the third round, marking an impressive light heavyweight debut at UFC 329 inside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. “Feast your eyes on that,” Whittaker exclaimed, clearly thrilled after securing the win at 3:01 of the third round. The 35-year-old Australian striker arrived at a new weight class with nerves and high expectations, but he left the octagon with a performance that reminded the world why he once ruled the 185-pound division.
Whittaker’s ascent to stardom at middleweight began in 2014 when he stepped up from welterweight and embarked on a memorable run that culminated in UFC gold. He defeated Yoel Romero, Marvin Vettori, and Paulo Costa, establishing himself as one of the most dangerous and well-rounded fighters in the sport. Yet the fighter known as “The Reaper” has faced some turbulence in recent times, suffering four losses in his last seven bouts prior to UFC 329. The skid included back-to-back defeats to Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder, prompting questions about his durability and ability to adapt to changing circumstances in the cage.
Whittaker (27-9) acknowledged the pressure of the moment, admitting there were plenty of nerves as he prepared to test Krylov, a formidable opponent who arrived with a distinct size and reach advantage. Yet in the end, it was Whittaker’s speed, precision, and boxing acumen that told the story from start to finish. Krylov, a 34-year-old Ukrainian known for his wrestling, appeared hesitant to exploit his physical edge in the opening rounds, instead primarily opting to test Whittaker’s stand-up with grappling moments that failed to establish any sustained offense.
From the opening bell, Whittaker’s improved timing and accuracy were evident. He fired rapid one-twos, a sharp double jab, and a snapping right hand, punctuated by a powerful right kick that landed as the bell rang to end the first. Krylov’s responses were conspicuously telegraphed, often missing by inches or grazing air, while Whittaker’s confidence grew with each passing exchange. By the second round, the former champion was dictating the pace, closing distance with crisp punches and maintaining superior rhythm in the exchanges.
Whittaker’s speed advantage was on full display as the rounds progressed. He wobbled Krylov in the second with a flurry that brought Krylov’s head snapping backward, a reminder of Whittaker’s ability to end a fight with well-timed combinations even when opponents hope to slow the action with takedowns. Through the ten minutes, Krylov had few answers for Whittaker’s boxing, as the ex-champion consistently landed the same effective punch flurries, exploiting gaps in Krylov’s defense with surgical precision.
Then came the decisive moment. Early in the third, Whittaker unleashed a damaging sequence that appeared to break Krylov’s jaw, or at the very least visibly disrupt his composure. The Ukrainian immediately reeled, clearly affected by the blast and rapidly retreating, which allowed Whittaker to finish the job with a clean knockout just 1:01 into the third round. The finish not only extended Whittaker’s retirement-defying staying power but also reaffirmed his status as a legitimate threat at a new weight class. “I trained [thinking] that every touch would kill me,” Whittaker explained in the post-fight interview, underscoring the mental and physical preparation that carried him through a challenging contest. “That’s not the case. I came in heavy, had an excellent game plan, and I hit as hard as anybody else. This is my home now. The middleweight page is closed.”
Outside the main event, UFC 329 featured a number of notable results. Rising prospect Gable Steveson overwhelmed Elisha Ellison in the opening round, Adrian Yanez finished former champion Cody Garbrandt, and Luke Riley earned a first-round stoppage over Kai Kamaka. The night’s action contributed to a card packed with standout performances and shifting narratives across the light heavyweight and other divisions.
For fans following UFC 329 results, highlights, and round-by-round updates, the full event delivered a mix of strategic grappling, explosive striking, and decisive finishes that kept the audience engaged from start to finish. Whittaker’s knockout over Krylov at UFC 329 stands as a career-highlight moment in a challenging stretch, signaling that his journey in a new weight class is just beginning and that the former champion remains a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s upper echelons.