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Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker makes a bold light heavyweight debut against submission specialist Nikita Krylov
Robert Whittaker's move to light heavyweight is either the reinvention of a former champion or the last roll of the dice for a fighter whose middleweight ceiling has been definitively established. After losses to Reinier de Ridder and Khamzat Chimaev, Whittaker has decided that carrying more weight — rather than cutting to 185 — will extend his career. The matchup with Nikita Krylov is fascinatin…
Robert Whittaker (27-9) is making his light heavyweight debut after consecutive losses to de Ridder and Chimaev at middleweight. At 35, 'The Reaper' believes the move up will revitalise his career. His chin rating of 16 is deeply concerning.
Nikita Krylov (31-11) is a dangerous finisher with 83.3% finish rate and a strong submission game (4.17 sub score). His chin rating of 0 is the lowest possible, but his momentum of 100 suggests recent strong form.
Both fighters have near-zero chin ratings — first clean shot likely ends it
Whittaker's light heavyweight debut is a complete unknown
Krylov's submission game is the most dangerous aspect of this fight
Whittaker's technical striking gives him the best path to victory
Two consecutive losses for Whittaker raises questions about his confidence
Whittaker's technical ability could let him pick Krylov apart at range
If Whittaker's power translates at 205, Krylov's chin of 0 makes him extremely vulnerable
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Combatrics radar — 6 fighting dimensions scored 0–10