“I’m locking in”- Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker set for light-heavyweight move, eyes June comeback

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has confirmed he plans to move up a division for his next fight. The 35-year-old Australian is targeting a bout at 205lbs in June. His decision follows two straight losses at middleweight. Defeats against Khamzat Chimaev and Reiner de Ridder pushed him down the rankings and slowed his title hopes. Whittaker now believes a fresh challenge could revive his career and motivate him in the closing years of competition.Whittaker admitted he is near the end of his fighting career and does not want regrets. He wants to test himself against bigger opponents before retiring. A June return could place him on a major UFC card, possibly the rumored White House event. However, only a few slots are expected to be available. The opponent is still unknown, but the move shows he is willing to take risks instead of waiting for another middleweight title opportunity.Robert Whittaker said he took time away after his last fight. The break helped him think clearly about his future. He explained his plans during an interview with Submission Radio and confirmed he is now focused on a comeback.“I had a really good rest after last fight. I took some breaks. I worked on some other things, and it’s given me a moment to really just settle in and work out what I want to do moving forward. I’m locking in now. I’m locking in for June. I want to get in there. I want to fight again. I want to fight in June at 205 most likely”, Whittaker said. The former champion said he knows his career window is closing. That is why he wants to try a new division rather than wonder later what could have happened.“I’m going to give it a go. I want to give it a go. I’m on the tail end of my career, so like I’m going to try rather than just thinking about what-ifs”, he added. Whittaker held the UFC middleweight belt in 2017 and defended it once. He later remained a top contender for years. But the recent defeats dropped him to No.9 in the rankings. Fighting at light-heavyweight means facing larger and stronger opponents. Still, his speed and striking skills could help him compete.If he gets a spot on the June card, the fight could be a major moment in his final run. A win might open fresh matchups. A loss could push him closer to retirement. For Whittaker, the move is about challenge, not safety!