Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Robert Whittaker made a winning light heavyweight debut by stopping Nikita Krylov in the third round at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on Saturday. The Australian then responded on Monday to comments about his physique, insisting his move to 205 pounds had already proved successful.
The former UFC middleweight champion earned the TKO at 1:01 of round three after repeatedly beating Nikita Krylov with faster combinations. However, commentators Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier questioned whether Robert Whittaker looked too small or out of shape for the division.
The same event also produced drama when the Conor McGregor vs Max Holloway UFC 329 fight ended because of a shock injury.
Robert Whittaker responds to weight talk
“Are we going to talk about the elephant in the room? The commentary calling me fat, talking about my weight?” Robert Whittaker said on The Ariel Helwani Show.
“Did I look that out of shape? I had abs the day before. I just had some salt bloat going on.”
Robert Whittaker admitted he had read social media posts questioning whether he was large enough for light heavyweight. Those comments added to the pressure after consecutive defeats and his decision to leave the middleweight division.
Robert Whittaker started quickly against Nikita Krylov before settling into a better rhythm. His hand speed and combinations repeatedly troubled the taller fighter before the finishing attack early in the third round.
Title ambitions come with limit
Robert Whittaker believes he may be one more strong performance away from a light heavyweight title opportunity. However, he has ruled out fighting City Kickboxing teammates Navajo Stirling and champion Carlos Ulberg.
“I don’t fight people I eat with,” Robert Whittaker said.
“They’re my team guys… I don’t fight team guys. It’s against my ethics.”
The win placed Robert Whittaker in the UFC light heavyweight rankings and ended his two-fight losing run. Full event details are available through the official UFC 329 results page.