Robert Whittaker, the former UFC middleweight champion, has opened the door to a potential move up to light heavyweight (205 pounds) as he prepares for a return to the octagon in 2026.
Whittaker’s recent run has been a mixed one. After losing his title in 2019, he suffered a brutal setback against Khamzat Chimaev in 2024 where he endured significant damage, and then dropped a split decision to Reinier de Ridder in 2025. These results have effectively placed him out of middleweight title contention for now, prompting Whittaker to consider his long-term path in the sport
“I want to get in there probably about mid-next year. I don’t know if it will be at middleweight,” Whittaker said on his MMArcade podcast “I’m actually playing with the idea [about moving to light heavyweight]. Potentially.
“I’m a bigger guy now. Everyone’s going to say, ‘Oh, he’s too short!’ They’re taller than me here [at middleweight], what’s the difference? Everyone’s got height on me anyway. Everyone’s got reach on me anyway.”
A move to light heavyweight would represent a significant shift for Whittaker, who began his UFC tenure at welterweight before finding championship success at middleweight. At middleweight he claimed gold after an eight-fight win streak that included marquee victories over Yoel Romero, Jared Cannonier, and Paulo Costa, establishing himself among the division’s elite.
Although light heavyweight would see Whittaker facing larger opponents, many naturally taller with greater reach, he downplayed concerns about physical disadvantages, nothing that he often contends with reach and height deficits even at middleweight. Whether Robert Whittaker ultimately stays at middleweight or takes the leap to light heavyweight, one thing is clear that the former champion is not done evolving.
After years of battling the best in one of the UFC’s toughest divisions, Whittaker appears ready to prioritize longevity, health, and fresh challenges over chasing familiar paths. A move to 205 pounds could offer a new chapter.
