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.
THE REAPER MAKES HIS LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT DEBUT COUNT 🤩
Robert Whittaker is another name to watch now at 205lbs!
[ #UFC329 | LIVE ON @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/JdMqXE8gNT
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) July 12, 2026
After the win, Whittaker said he will remain at light heavyweight.
For Krylov, the loss was his third in four fights.
Up-to-the-minute UFC 329 results:
- Robert Whittaker def. Nikita Krylov via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 1:01
- Gable Steveson def. Elisha Ellison via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 2:31
- Adrian Yanez def. Cody Garbrandt via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:47
- Luke Riley def. Kai Kamaka III via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:03
- Wang Cong def. Tracy Cortez via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-27)
- Damian Pinas def. Cesar Almeida via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 4:44
- Farid Basharat def. John Garza via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Ryan Gandra def. Zach Reese via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 1:15
- Alessandro Costa def. Cody Durden via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 2:19
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC 329 results: Robert Whittaker blasts Nikita Krylov into self-stoppage
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