Robert Whittaker admits light heavyweight move comes with major risks

Former UFC middleweight king Robert Whittaker has committedto a permanent move to 205. | 📷: Getty/UFCRobertWhittaker acknowledges the "risk and threat" of moving up tolight heavyweight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.Ahead of his fight with NikitaKrylov at UFC 329 on Saturday, July 11, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas,Whittaker reflected on how power is among the most importantfactors in the light heavyweight division, regardless of individualskill level.

Robert Whittaker breaks down the dangers of light heavyweightmove

Whittaker, who has committed to a permanent move up to the lightheavyweight division, spoke about the challenging aspects of themove ahead of UFC 329. The Australian highlighted that power is theequalizer and that, irrespective of technical ability, almost allstrikes absorbed at 205 pounds will be damaging."You see, power is the ultimate equaliser, and I understand that,"the former UFC middleweight champion said in a recent interview. "Iunderstand that you don't… It doesn't matter how technical you are;if you get hit hard by a heavy dude, it's going to hurt. So, Iunderstand the risk and the threat. That is the danger of moving upto light heavyweight."Nevertheless, Whittaker remains confident his skills will translateto the heavier division."But I believe my skill set is champion level," he added. "Thespeed that I have, the physicality that I have, are at a championlevel, and I am going to bring them."Whittaker is coming off back-to-back losses at middleweight, whichprompted the move. Krylov, his next opponent, is a seasoned veteranand a natural 205-pounder. However, the Ukrainian-born Russianisn't known for his power, relying on durability and grapplingskills instead.