Nikita Krylov VS Robert Whittaker

Robert Whittaker stopped Nikita Krylov via TKO (punches) at 1:01 of round three in their light heavyweight bout at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026. Krylov controlled the opening round with clinch work along the fence and active leg kicks, while Whittaker countered with jabs and right hands to keep the striking competitive. Whittaker's boxing speed asserted itself in round two — his straight right hand hurt Krylov and disrupted his rhythm — and he carried that momentum into the third. A damaging right hand in round three appeared to break Krylov's jaw; Krylov waved off the referee and the fight was stopped at 1:01.

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker makes his long-anticipated debut at light heavyweight against the dangerous Nikita Krylov, a finisher equally comfortable putting opponents away on the feet or the mat. Whittaker's elite striking and timing enter an unfamiliar division against a fighter who has finished over half his wins by submission and over a dozen by knockout, creating genuine uncertainty about how the size and pace adjustments will affect both men.