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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JULY 11: (R-L) Robert Whittaker of New Zealand strikes Nikita Krylov of Ukraine in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC 329 event at T-Mobile Arena on July 11, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Robert Whittaker vs. Nikita Krylov squared off earlier tonight (Sat., July 11, 2026) at UFC 329 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. In a successful Light Heavyweight debut, Whittaker stopped his opponent in the third round.
Krylov worked his wrestling early. He never managed to establish fully control, but he put Whittaker in some difficult positions and forced the smaller man to work hard. By the time they separated late in the first, both men were breathing heavily, and Whittaker was looking a little out-of-place in his new weight class.
Fortunately, “The Reaper” dialed it in. Even while breathing out of his mouth, he was significantly faster than “Miner.” Whittaker started finding the distance with his snappy jab, stranding Krylov at distance. Before too long, he was building his classic combinations and intercepting Krylov’s kicks with stiff counter shots. From that point forward, Whittaker just continued to pile on the damage and slowly pull away.
Once the jab was landing hard, Krylov couldn’t come close to a takedown. He was getting pieced up and hurt, and the damage built. Midway through the third, Whittaker landed a right that stunned Krylov then followed up with a second right that cleared jacked up Krylov’s jaw. Krylov grabbed his mouth and turned away, inviting the referee to intervene.
Check out the video highlights below:
It wasn’t without adversity, but this was a very clean introduction to the Light Heavyweight ranks for Robert Whittaker. There are likely still some adjustments to be made with his bulk and cut to 205-pounds — “Bobby Knuckles” resembled Kelvin Gastelum at times — but he’s already a ranked fighter in his new home. Likely, a Top 10 challenge is next, perhaps along the lines of Dominick Reyes?
For more UFC 329 results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
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