Robert Whittaker outlines plan to fight "top five" opponent, move quickly in the UFC light heavyweight division
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has opened up about his plans after his successful light heavyweight debut.
Robert Whittaker has highlighted his plans to move quickly to the upper echelons of the UFC light heavyweight division, as he rides high on the momentum of his incredible debut at that weight class.
Whittaker, who enjoyed a notable reign as the UFC middleweight (185-pound) champion a few years ago, recently moved up to the light heavyweight (205-pound) division.
His maiden matchup in his new weight class witnessed him defeat divisional staple Nikita Krylov via third-round TKO due to a seemingly hurt jaw, courtesy of his relentless strikes against the bigger opponent.
Robert Whittaker eyes higher-ranked opponents, aims to advance swiftly as his MMA career nears its end
Robert Whittaker's win, which came at UFC 329 on July 11, has sparked discussions about whether the veteran fighter could make a title run at light heavyweight. "Bobby Knuckles," for his part, has lately been quite vocal that he's likely to hang up his MMA gloves sooner rather than later.
Whittaker recently featured on the UFC's inaugural BMF champion and MMA legend Jorge Masvidal's Death Row MMA podcast on Full Send MMA. They discussed a myriad of issues, including the Aussie fighter's next move.
Upon being questioned about whom he has his mind for his next fight, Whittaker indicated that he hasn't zeroed in on a specific opponent. He stated, "I feel like the division is a buffet right now. But I'd be fighting anyone in the top 10."
Masvidal chimed in and suggested that the UFC could approach him, cite his brilliant light heavyweight debut, then ask which opponent he'd want next. "Gamebred" asked Whittaker which fighter he'd choose in that case, to which the former middleweight kingpin replied:
"It's hard... I'd like to fight guys in the top five. I want to move quick. I don't want to fight forever... I want to test the waters up there."
Robert Whittaker's current position in the UFC rankings, his aim to compete again in 2026
Robert Whittaker currently stands at the No. 12 spot in the light heavyweight division in the official Meta UFC rankings, earning the honor of being a ranked fighter in the division after his successful debut at 205 pounds at UFC 329.
"The Reaper" alluded to it and underscored that he'd like to fight anyone who's higher than him in the ranks. The 35-year-old said, "Now that I'm a ranked fighter, anyone ranked above me, I'd love to dance with."
He also appeared to reassure that his strength and other elements at the new weight felt great in his fight, thereby resolving the doubts about whether he's adapted well to 205 pounds.
Furthermore, the New Zealand-born Australian MMA star signaled that he'd like to get back into the octagon before 2026 draws to a close. He affirmed, "I'd like to fight again by the end of the year." Whittaker added that he's on vacation, for now, and enjoying time with his family.
Watch Robert Whittaker discuss his possible next move during his appearance on the Jorge Masvidal-hosted podcast below (*comments at the 37:05-minute mark of the video):
