Robert Whittaker proved doubters wrong in light heavyweight debut at UFC 329: “I think I silenced those guys”

Robert Whittaker believes he proved the naysayers wrong following his successful light heavyweight debut.

Whittaker is a former UFC Middleweight Champion, and he’s had a slew of career-defining moments at 185 pounds. At the age of 35 and with his fighting run winding down, Whittaker wanted to challenge himself at 205 pounds. He got his wish at UFC 329 this past Saturday, taking on Nikita Krylov.

Krylov was ranked No. 12 in the light heavyweight division by the media panel prior to UFC 329. Whittaker shined in his 205-pound debut, stopping Krylov in the third round via TKO. Whittaker spoke to reporters during his media scrum after handing Krylov his third loss in four outings, and he thinks he put doubt about his viability at light heavyweight to rest.

“I wanted someone ranked out of the gate,” Whittaker said. “I think a lot of questions have been answered. I feel like there was a lot of doubters out there. There were a lot of people that had questions. A lot of people wanted to see what the transition looked like, me going up. So, I think I silenced those guys and put my case forth.”

This was Whittaker’s first win since June 2024. It was a solid bounce back for “The Reaper,” who had lost his previous two bouts. Whittaker was submitted by Khamzat Chimaev and then dropped a split decision to Reinier de Ridder before meeting Krylov.

Prior to UFC 329, Whittaker said he felt that the move to 205 pounds has extended his career. Even so, Whittaker doesn’t plan on sticking around the fight game as a competitor when he hits his 40s. How far “Bobby Knuckles” can go in the weight class before ultimately walking away will be interesting to follow.

Who is the best opponent for Robert Whittaker at light heavyweight? Name your pick in the comments below.