Robert Whittaker ‘a go’ for UFC light heavyweight move: ‘I just don’t know if I’m getting the best out of myself’ at middleweight
MMA Fighting
February 24, 2026
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Robert Whittaker, the former UFC middleweight champion, is making a bold move by switching to light heavyweight for his next UFC fight. After losing two consecutive fights, including a first-round submission defeat to Khamzat Chimaev, Whittaker has decided to compete at 205 pounds. He explained that while he could still make the middleweight cut, he feels it may not be maximizing his potential. "I just don't know if I'm getting the best out of myself having to cut that weight," he said. Training at a heavier weight during his break has convinced him that light heavyweight might offer better performance and fewer challenges related to weight management.
Whittaker's decision comes after a career filled with notable victories, including wins over Ronaldo Souza, Derek Brunson, Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier, and Darren Till. However, recent setbacks, including a split-decision loss to Reinier de Ridder in July 2025 and his defeat to Chimaev, have left him contemplating new strategies. "I'm on the tail end of my career, so I got to try rather than just thinking about what ifs," he shared with Submission Radio. His focus now is on adjusting to the higher weight, building muscle, and ensuring peak performance when he returns to the octagon.
The 30-year-old fighter, known as "The Reaper," is targeting a June return for his next fight. He plans to spend four months preparing for the move, emphasizing the importance of adequate training time to adapt to the
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Originally published on MMA Fighting on 2/24/2026