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Robert Whittaker, one of the most accomplished middleweights in UFC history, is considering a move up to light heavyweight. While the former 185-pound champion has previously hinted at the possibility, he has yet to fully commit. However, during a recent episode of his MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker provided a clearer timeline on when he’ll make a final decision.
“I’m going to decide after this next fight,” Whittaker stated. “So one more at middleweight at the very least depending on—I’m going to really try and push the boundaries of muscle-to-weight ratio and everything and just see where we come up.”
Whittaker last competed at UFC 308 in October, where he suffered a devastating submission loss to Khamzat Chimaev. The defeat was particularly brutal, as Chimaev’s face crank dislocated Whittaker’s jaw. While his next bout has yet to be officially scheduled, Whittaker has expressed interest in facing fellow former middleweight champion Sean Strickland.
A showdown with Strickland is currently his top choice, and Whittaker has a timeframe in mind for when he hopes to return.
“That would be great,” Whittaker said. “International Fight Week.”
This wouldn’t be the first time Whittaker has changed weight classes in the UFC. When he first joined the promotion after winning The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes in 2012, he competed at welterweight. However, after struggling to consistently make the weight cut, he moved up to middleweight in 2014, where he found immense success.
Whittaker’s middleweight career saw him go on a six-fight winning streak, culminating in an interim title victory over Yoel Romero. He was later promoted to undisputed champion and successfully defended the belt before eventually losing it to Israel Adesanya. Despite falling short against Adesanya and current champion Dricus du Plessis, Whittaker has amassed a resume filled with impressive wins over top contenders, including Paulo Costa, Marvin Vettori, Kelvin Gastelum, Jared Cannonier, and Darren Till.
As he nears the latter stages of his career, a move to 205 pounds could provide a fresh challenge for ‘The Reaper.’ For now, all eyes are on his next fight, which could ultimately determine whether he stays at middleweight or ventures into the light heavyweight division.