Robert Whittaker is “90%” convinced he will leave the middleweight division this year.
The 35-year-old has been a mainstay in the 185-pound division for more than a decade, known for brutal fights with Yoel Romero and Derek Brunson, a two-fight series with Israel Adesanya and a title reign from 2017-19.
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But while he’s walking around at 235 pounds, he hinted on Monday’s episode of Uncrown’s “The Ariel Helwani Show” that his days of dropping down to 185 pounds may be over as he aims to lose 205 pounds.
“I’ll be back in June,” Whittaker announced. “That’s the date. I want to lock in and give myself a proper three to four months to work on something new.”
Whittaker said he wanted to extend training camp because he was tired of doing the same old “Reaper” and wanted to surprise fans and opponents. “It’s time for a change,” he said.
“The last couple [weight] Cutting back on work is hard… [and] I feel like this department is open. There are some great battles worth playing [at light heavyweight]this is where my skills can prevail. “
In addition to the weight cut, the new weight class will also bring new challenges, as Whittaker has faced current UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev before, losing in the first round, and also lost to No. 1 contender Dricus du Plessis.
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Whittaker believes a short-term light heavyweight fight, perhaps with just one or two wins, could lead to a title shot in the new division.
For now, he will remain in Las Vegas and have preliminary conversations with the UFC about the move and develop a plan that could see him challenge for the title.
“I’m always one to two [wins] from [title shot] Conversation, even in the equally established middleweight division,” he said.
With UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira teasing a move to heavyweight, the title could soon be open to be decided by former champions Jiri Prochazka and Magomed Ankalaev, as well as potential top contender Carlos Ulberg – a kickboxer that Whittaker is very familiar with in the New Zealand boxing scene.
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That raises the question of whether Whittaker will have a headlining fight against Ullberg at the UFC’s next event around his region.
“I’ve trained with him now, we’re friends – I don’t think it’s right,” Whittaker said, ruling out the possibility. “Even now, if I did move to light heavyweight, I would want to train with him [rather than fight him]”.
Whittaker isn’t thinking too much about specific opponents, and at least for now, he appears to be focused on a new division and the location of his comeback.
“I just want to play in June and it would be great to be on the White House roster,” he said.
The UFC’s anticipated event on the White House lawn is tentatively scheduled for June, with Dana White and the promotion’s matchmakers expected to produce the card in the coming weeks.
