Robert Whittaker vs Nikita Krylov in works for UFC 329 at light heavyweight

Sources close to Vestnik MMA report that a matchup between Robert Whittaker and Nikita Krylov is being developed for UFC 329, slated for July 11. The bout has not been officially confirmed, but if finalized it would send Whittaker into uncharted territory as he makes his debut at light heavyweight.

Whittaker, 35, carries a 27-9 overall record and is currently ranked sixth in the middleweight division. The Australian out of PMA Super Martial Arts is a former middleweight champion with deep UFC experience, holding a 27-9 mark and landing 4.39 significant strikes per minute at 43 percent accuracy. Standing six feet tall with a 73-inch reach, he would be giving away meaningful size to virtually any established light heavyweight contender.

Krylov, known as "The Miner," is ranked 13th in the light heavyweight division and brings a 31-11 record into the unconfirmed matchup. The 34-year-old Ukrainian stands six-foot-three with a 77-inch reach and trains out of Raty Team. He averages 4.36 significant strikes per minute at an impressive 54 percent accuracy, while also posing a threat on the ground with 2.05 takedowns and 1.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Whittaker would be stepping up a full weight class, making the physical disadvantage against a long light heavyweight a central storyline
• A win for Krylov could push him up the divisional ladder from his current 13th-place ranking
• The stylistic matchup pits two high-output Orthodox strikers against each other, with Krylov holding notable grappling versatility
• The outcome would carry immediate implications for both fighters' positioning heading into the second half of 2026