Former Middleweight Champion to Move Up to Light Heavyweight – Targets June Return

Welterweight – Done. Middleweight – Done. Light heavyweight – Pending.

This is what Robert Whittaker’s UFC career has shown since he debuted in 2012, when he won TUF: The Smashes. After a 3-2 showing at 170lbs, the fan favourite moved up to 185lbs and dominated.

He seemingly found a home at middleweight and has been in and around the top ten for the majority of his tenure at the weight. It hasn’t clicked as of late for Whittaker, however, and the former champion has informed fans that he intends to move up to light heavyweight, looking to join an elite club of fighters with wins in three different weight classes.

Robert Whittaker set for Light Heavyweight

Dominant Middleweight Run

After a blistering start to life at 185lbs, The Reaper has certainly slowed down in recent years. After a run of six straight victories, including four finishes and five post-fight bonuses, Whittaker saw himself matched with one of the most avoided men at middleweight, Yoel Romero.

The fight was originally scheduled for the interim title, which, in a truly unforgettable fight, Whittaker won. He was later promoted to undisputed champion. His first defence came in a rematch against Romero, where he again got the better of his Cuban foe in another fight of the night. Whittaker was quickly becoming one of the biggest fan favourites on the roster due to his all-action style.

The next fight would be his biggest, however. UFC 243 saw the promotion return to Australia and make its debut at the Marvel Stadium. Taking on New Zealander and interim champion, Israel Adesanaya, Whittaker appeared burnt out.

In front of a record 57,127 live fans, Whittaker rushed in, was caught off balance and didn’t show any of the poise that he had shown at middleweight previously. Adesanya began his reign of terror on the middleweight division, which started with Whittaker in Australia.

Drop in Form

After his loss to The Last Stylebender, Whittaker bounced back in impressive fashion with three straight victories, including a dominant win over Jared Cannonier. This good form would see him earn a rematch with Adesanya; however, it would be rinse and repeat for the champion as he defeated Whittaker via unanimous decision.

Whittaker would go 3-3 in his next six fights, losing to future champions Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. Last time out, he lost to Reinier de Ridder in a fight that he was dominating until he gassed out.

Move Up to Light Heavyweight

Speaking to Submission Radio, Robert Whittaker stated that he had had a “really good rest” after his last fight. He also said that he wants to get back “in there” and is “locking in for June“.

The most interesting part of the interview came as he noted that his return will be at “205 most likely”. He went on to say, “Yeah, I’m gonna give it a go. I know there are a lot of naysayers, a lot of things on the internet saying ‘small this, small that.’ Shut up, dude. I wanna give it a go. You know, I’m on the tail end of my career, so I’ve gotta try rather than just thinking about ‘what ifs.’”

Whittaker also made a plea for a top 10 opponent on his 205lbs debut. “I’ve earned my stripes”. 

Logically, Robert Whittaker would get a top-10-ranked light heavyweight. He’s sat at #9 at middleweight, but in a shallow light heavyweight division, don’t be surprised to see Whittaker receive a push. Anyone from the former champion, Jamahal Hill at #7, #4 Khalil Rountree or a veteran’s clash against another former champion in #5 Jan Blachowicz make sense.

Whatever happens, fans of Robert Whittaker will be happy he’s continuing his career.