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Whittaker Delivers Devastating Light Heavyweight Debut, Possibly Fractures Krylov's Jaw at UFC 329

Robert Whittaker's successful move to 205 pounds featured a knockout finish that may have left Nikita Krylov with a broken jaw after a third-round TKO.

Editorial Team·Jul 12, 2026·3 min read
Whittaker Delivers Devastating Light Heavyweight Debut, Possibly Fractures Krylov's Jaw at UFC 329

Robert Whittaker's inaugural appearance at light heavyweight ended in spectacular fashion at UFC 329, with the former middleweight champion potentially inflicting a serious injury on Nikita Krylov en route to a knockout victory.

Despite a significant size disadvantage, Whittaker's superior hand speed and striking power proved decisive. He repeatedly caught Krylov off-balance throughout the contest, setting up the dramatic finish that came at 1:01 of round three. After landing a crisp right hand followed by another powerful shot, Krylov immediately clutched his jaw and signaled his inability to continue as the referee halted proceedings.

Speed Overcomes Size

From the opening bell, Whittaker's quickness allowed him to control the action despite Krylov's physical advantages. The Australian fighter landed lightning-quick combinations that repeatedly found their mark, forcing Krylov to pursue takedowns and clinch work against the cage. Krylov's grappling prowess temporarily shifted momentum, but Whittaker escaped and connected with precise strikes on his exit.

The second round saw Whittaker maintain his aggressive approach, firing rapid-fire combinations that visibly stung his opponent. With approximately two minutes remaining, another blistering exchange hurt Krylov, though Whittaker remained composed rather than recklessly pursuing an early stoppage.

New Division, Same Dominance

The finishing sequence featured two consecutive devastating right hands that left no doubt about the fight's outcome. Whittaker's post-fight comments reflected his confidence in the division transition. "The middleweight page is closed," he stated, adding that he trained with the mindset of facing an intimidating opponent but proved his power translates at the heavier weight class.

Whittaker's impressive debut at 205 pounds immediately establishes him among the division's most threatening contenders. Light heavyweight's relatively shallow talent pool means the former champion could quickly position himself for title consideration following such a dominant performance against a formidable opponent.

Fighters Mentioned

Nikita Krylov
Nikita Krylov
31-11-0 · Light Heavyweight

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