UFC veteran Robert Whittaker is one of the most renowned fighters in the promotion, celebrated for his humble persona. Interestingly, most of his fights in the UFC have taken place in the middleweight division. However, Robert Whittaker’s recent suggestion of a potential move to the light heavyweight division has sparked discussions within the community.
Recently, in an interview, Robert Whittaker discussed the possibility of moving up to fight in the UFC light heavyweight division. Shortly after this announcement, UFC legend Chael Sonnen posted a video on his YouTube channel reacting to the exciting news. In his video, Sonnen provided several intriguing analyses and dispelled some myths surrounding the advantages of a fighter’s height and reach.
Let’s encourage that. I’m completely so for (in favor of) that (Whittaker moving up to light heavyweight)… Those guys are slower. There has always been the misconception that size is better…. Saturday in Fury versus Usyk, the whole world saw there is no such thing as a reach advantage, a height advantage or a size advantage.
Chael Sonnen on his YouTube channel (Check from 5:25)
Sonnen specifically highlighted last weekend’s heavyweight boxing match between Oleksandr Usyk and Tyson Fury. Interestingly, despite Fury’s height and weight advantages, he was unable to capitalize on them against Usyk.
As a result, the Brit suffered another defeat at the hands of the Ukrainian boxer. According to Sonnen, ‘The Reaper’ will not face the same difficulties as the reigning unified champion, even if he moves up to a higher weight class in the UFC.
The UFC veteran is coming off a recent loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308. In that match, the UFC community saw Whittaker getting decisively overwhelmed by the Chechen fighter. Following this defeat, the Australian competitor expressed his desire to move up to the UFC light heavyweight division. This raises the question of who Whittaker might face in the 205-pound category.
Who can be Robert Whittaker’s first opponent in the UFC light heavyweight division?
Robert Whittaker has been in the UFC for over a decade. Throughout these years, the Australian fighter has competed in both the welterweight and middleweight divisions. However, his time in the 185-pound division has been more successful, as he has held the title of champion in that weight class. Currently, his performance in the division is concerning, as it has been characterized by both ups and downs.
Chael Sonnen wants Robert Whittaker to face Anthony Smith (Image via Imago)As a result, Whittaker has teased about a potential move to a higher weight class. Interestingly, among the many discussions, Chael Sonnen seemed quite excited to see the Australian fighter potentially compete at 205 pounds. Moreover, the ‘American Gangster’ also spoke his mind on who Whittaker should clash against in the UFC light heavyweight division.
I love the idea of him going up to 205 pounds. I can’t match him up right away I got to tell you that. I don’t have that matchup right away. Like Robert Whittaker versus Anthony Smith is very interesting to me.
Chael Sonnen on his YouTube channel (Check from 9:20)
Currently, Alex Pereira reigns as the champion of the UFC light heavyweight division. As for Anthony Smith, he is currently on a losing streak but has the reputation of being one of the most experienced fighters in the division. As a result, Sonnen believes a potential matchup between Whittaker and Smith would be exciting to watch.
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