Robert Whittaker believes Nikita Krylov is a ‘great guy to test the waters’ at light heavyweight at UFC 329

Robert Whittaker is set to make his light heavyweight debut on the prelims of UFC 329.

Whittaker is set to take on Nikita Krylov on the stacked UFC 329 card, which sees the return of Conor McGregor. Although Whittaker is excited to be on the card, he admits that being on the prelims was a bit of a shot to his ego.

“It’s another feather in the cap,” Whitaker said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com about being on this card. “It’s cool, I’ve been fortunate enough to be a part of some monumental events and occasions, it’s huge. Conor McGregor’s return. … It was a little bit of a surprise, a bit of a hit to the old ego, but it makes sense. There are perks and benefits of being earlier: earlier fight time, earlier out, less stuff you need to do. But it’s a monster-sized card.”

The fight also serves as Whittaker’s light heavyweight debut, which is something he’s thought of for quite some time. The Aussie felt like the last couple of weight cuts were tough, so he felt like he needed to move up.

“It’s something I have played with the idea of,” Whittaker said. “The last couple of camps, I haven’t enjoyed due to the weight cuts. At this point, I’m usually miserable, I’m not eating much, starting to water load, and I feel tired. This time, I have my family here; I’m eating leaner to get the weight down, but it’s a night-and-day experience.”

Robert Whittaker expects a tough fight at UFC 329

In his light heavyweight debut, Robert Whittaker is taking on Nikita Krylov, who is a fringe top-15 contender.

However, Krylov does pose some problems with his size and range, as well as his power. Yet, Whittaker has confidence that he will be able to have success with his speed and create an opening to get a finish win at UFC 329.

“I usually give the UFC a timeframe, and they give me a name, usually a week or two from that time,” Whittaker said. “That is what happened. If we look at it on paper, it’s a great entry into the light heavyweight division. Tall guy. It’s a great guy to test the waters against. … He’s very much a kill-or-be-killed fighter, and I respect that, but I know I can be the killer. …

“This is my theory. I am heavier, but I’m still fast, and weight times speed, so logically speaking, it should work out perfectly. … I’m going to give him a lot of respect, a lot of space, and work for my opportunities and my moments. Create a hole in his game and capitalize on it.”

If Whittaker wins, he knows it puts him in a good spot to get a top-10 opponent next, as well as some fresh matchups. Yet, he is just focused on UFC 329 and Krylov.

“Winning opens doors, that’s the truth in this game. Take it one fight at a time, see where it takes me. Moving up was trying to breathe some life and some energy into a craft I’ve been doing for so long. I find it funny that I move up and so many middleweights are moving up to de Ridder, Chimaev, Costa, all these guys,” Whittaker concluded.

Do you think Robert Whittaker will beat Nikita Krylov at UFC 329?