UFC 329 Watch Party: Follow along with Uncrowned crew
Robert Whittaker breathed new life into his career at UFC 329.
In his light heavyweight debut Saturday, Whittaker (27-9 MMA, 18-7 UFC) finished perennially-ranked contender Nikita Krylov with a brutal punch for a stoppage at 1:01 of Round 3. The bout took place on the prelims at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Whittaker, 35, moved up from middleweight, the division he once reigned over, in order to turn his luck around after back-to-back defeats to Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder. He appeared Saturday to have put on the weight, but was still noticeably outsized by Krylov (31-12 MMA, 12-10 UF). But for what Whittaker gave up in size, he made up for in speed.
Krylov tried a grapple-heavy approach early, but eventually Whittaker started having success with his striking. Ultimately, it was a big right hand that sealed the deal. Krylov ate the blow. But upon reset, he repeatedly flexed his jaw – clearly compromised. Krylov retreated and signaled he was done fighting, as the broadcast speculated he may have a broken jaw.
After the win, Whittaker said he will remain at light heavyweight.
For Krylov, the loss was his third in four fights.
Robert Whittaker def. Nikita Krylov via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:01
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