Robert Whittaker is thinking of changing weight classes following UFC Paris.
Whittaker is set to return to the Octagon in the co-main event of UFC Paris on Saturday as he takes on Marvin Vettori. It’s a pivotal fight as both men are looking to remain in the title picture despite being 0-2 against the current champ in Israel Adesanya.
Although he is focused on middleweight, Whittaker says he has been thinking about a move to 205 lbs. If he does make the move to light heavyweight, he says he would be staying there for good.
Another Division Move for Robert Whittaker?
“I’ve been thinking about 205 a fair bit,” Whittaker said on Submission Radio.
“The problem is, I wouldn’t go to 205 to come back down to 185, just because I don’t want to go to 205 as a fat 185, right? [Laughs]. You see a lot of guys try that and they just get starched. And then they come back down. It doesn’t make sense.”
Whittaker is no stranger to changing weight classes as he began his UFC career as a welterweight and then moved up to 185lbs. When he moved up, that is when he started to have a ton of success which led to him becoming the champion.
The Jump to Light Heavyweight Would Be Permanent for Robert Whittaker
This time around, if Whittaker decides to move up after UFC Paris, the plan is to bulk up and stay at 205lbs for the remainder of his career.
“When I moved up to 185 the first time, there was no way I would never go back down to 170,” Whittaker said. “I could never. Got to put on muscle, you have to train at that weight. Got to do all of the bits and bobs, then and there. But I’ve been thinking about 205. I think it will be a more natural weight for me, personally, but the height disadvantage is annoying. I don’t know if I would want to deal with that…
“Once I make the decision to go up to 205, I’m there. That’ll be my division,” Whittaker later added. “I’d finish my career there, for better or worse. I’m doing really well at 185. Really well. I’m definitely one of the most dangerous men in the division.”
