Overview
- Whittaker defeated Nikita Krylov by third-round TKO at UFC 329 on Saturday after Krylov grabbed his jaw and the referee stopped the contest at 1:01 of round three.
- Broadcast replays and reporters initially suggested Krylov’s jaw might be broken but UFC president Dana White said post-fight that medical evaluation found the jaw was not broken.
- Whittaker’s speed and crisp boxing overcame a clear size disadvantage as he weathered early takedown attempts, established range with a jab, and landed the decisive right hands in round three.
- Whittaker declared he will stay at light heavyweight and said the move eased brutal weight cuts and refreshed his career, while media outlets project he should enter the 205-pound rankings and face ranked opponents next.
- The light-heavyweight division’s recent roster shifts and injuries create opportunity for Whittaker to climb quickly, making his successful debut a potential catalyst for new matchups and a revised title picture.