Robert Whittaker responds to skeptics after TKO win over Nikita Krylov at UFC 329

Robert Whittaker seems to have responded to the skeptics who'd lately been questioning whether his move from the middleweight (185-pound) to the light heavyweight (205-pound) division would be suitable for him. 

Certain sections of the MMA community warned that "The Reaper" lacked the height and natural weight to compete with the comparatively bigger athletes at 205 pounds. 

Whittaker, for his part, previously fought in the welterweight (170-pound) division before he enjoyed a lengthy stint at middleweight, the latter of which saw him notch the UFC middleweight title as well. 

Robert Whittaker had addressed concerns about potentially being undersized before his light heavyweight debut at UFC 329

Robert Whittaker suffered a pair of notable defeats at middleweight -- a submission defeat against Khamzat Chimaev in 2024, as well as a split decision loss at the hands of Reinier de Ridder in July of last year. 

The former UFC middleweight champion subsequently affirmed that he'd move up in weight, transitioning to the light heavyweight division, and return to his winning ways. 

Some fans expressed their skepticism, citing how he looked relatively small even next to UFC lightweight Dan Hooker in a few photos.

Nevertheless, Whittaker signaled that he's confident about his move and that cutting down to middleweight had hindered his performance in his past couple of octagon outings. 

Robert Whittaker lightheartedly reacts to skeptics after TKO stoppage of Nikita Krylov at UFC 329

Robert Whittaker made his much-awaited light heavyweight divisional debut against former heavyweight (265-pound) division combatant and current light heavyweight Nikita Krylov. 

Whittaker ended up securing a spectacular third-round TKO victory over the perennial 205-pound contender, seemingly hurting the towering fighter's jaw. 

During his octagon interview thereafter, the ex-UFC middleweight titlist jokingly jibed at those who'd claimed he'd be at a size disadvantage and probably lose at light heavyweight. 

Also, during his UFC 329 post-fight press conference session, Whittaker was asked about it and noted: 

"Well, I was underestimated by the people on Reddit." He laughed and appeared to take a lighthearted jibe at Redditors, saying, "But I don't know if we can consider them people. Right?"

An avid gamer, Whittaker implied that he was simply joking and that he, too, is one of them. He stated, "Don't get me wrong. They're my people. Like, I love it there. I play there all the time." 

He added, "But yeah, I'm sick of everyone saying I'm a small middleweight. I'm sick of it."

Whittaker once again jokingly recalled the instances wherein a few netizens would make social media posts, which would feature his photographs, and note that they're worried about him possibly being undersized at light heavyweight. 

As for his next move, the 35-year-old hinted that he still has a few more fights left before he retires.

Some fans have already started calling for Whittaker to be booked against someone from the upper echelons of the light heavyweight division, a win over whom could propel him into title contention in his new weight class. 

Watch Robert Whittaker discuss the concerns about his being small for the 205-pound division below (*comments at the 13:10-minute mark of the video):