“I wouldn’t go down…” Robert Whittaker teases a move up to light heavyweight following loss to Khamzat Chimaev
UFC veteran Robert Whittaker shares concern about a potential move to welterweight and chooses light heavyweight instead.
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Robert Whittaker won't be dropping down weight class (via Imago)
Robert Whittaker is undoubtedly one of the most respected fighters on the UFC roster. The former middleweight champion is a true warrior who has faced some of the biggest names in the sport. However, his recent struggles have sparked discussions about his future and what might be next for the decorated fighter.
Whittaker, in his last outing, suffered a devastating loss against rising contender Khamzat Chimaev. The Australian superstar was left helpless against Chimaev’s relentless pressure. In a recent podcast episode, Whittaker was asked about moving down to the welterweight division for a change and the fighter immediately denied it.
I wouldn’t go down, I can’t go down. I’m still playing with the idea of going light heavyweight. I’m a big dude, much bigger than people think I’m.
Robert Whittaker via MMArcade
In the past, many fighters have moved down a weight class to revitalize their careers. However, competing at welterweight could pose significant challenges for Robert Whittaker. Standing at 6 feet tall and weighing over 200 pounds on fight night, the weight cut to 170 pounds would likely place immense strain on his body.
🗣️ Robert Whittaker: “I wouldn’t go down [to welterweight], I can’t go down.
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 23, 2024
I’m still playing with the idea of going up to lightheavyweight. I’m a big dude. Much bigger than people think I am.” 👀
(via. @MMArcadePodcast) #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/vhYE5TDWY5
On the other hand, with his bigger build, a move to the light heavyweight division seems like a better choice. Recently, former middleweight champion Alex Pereira did the same and was able to get huge success in the light heavyweight division. It will be interesting to see what Robert Whittaker has on his mind for his future.
Robert Whittaker talks about his loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308
Robert Whittaker lost his UFC middleweight championship to Israel Adesanya back in 2019. After that, he bounced back and got himself another title opportunity where he failed again. Whittaker did manage to get into momentum with two consecutive wins over Paulo Costa and Ikram Aliserov.
With that momentum, ‘The Reaper’ stepped into the octagon against Khamzat Chimaev. However, it took the ‘Borz’ only four minutes to submit the former champion. In a recent interview, Whittaker talked about what took place in that fight.
I felt strong. I felt fit. I was focused, I was locked in. Everything was picture-perfect. Got in there. Within seconds of the fight started, I felt real comfortable standing with him. Then the dude drops, how to stop that takedown? Then mate he puts his forearm across and instantly my teeth gave out.
Robert Whittaker via MMArcade Podcast
Despite his loss, Whittaker displayed true sportsmanship by graciously accepting defeat. Now, he has voiced his support for Khamzat Chimaev in a potential title fight against Dricus Du Plessis. This kind of conduct reinforces why the former middleweight champion remains a fan favorite, with excitement for his return showing no signs of waning.
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Ameetosh Dash
(810 Articles Published)