But for this week, Whittaker, his wife Sofia, and their six children have all made the trip together, and the proud father and devoted family man says it has made a massive difference.
“Recently, when I’ve been away, I just keep focusing on when I can get back to them, when I can go do things with them after the fact,” Whittaker said. “Fighting is too demanding to be thinking about the after, so instead of longing to go home, being homesick, missing the tribe, I brought them to me.
“I’m not missing the tribe. I’m enjoying the experience, I’m enjoying fight week. I’m enjoying it now, and I’m gonna enjoy it after as well.
“Honestly, it’s the perfect capstone to my career,” he added. “Bringing my kids, making them a part of my journey because, as you said, all these times that Dad’s been away, you’ve had to FaceTime Dad, Dad’s missed your birthday, this is where I was, this is what I was doing, and they’re now a part of it.They can see what it is that Daddy does.”
Saturday night, everybody is eager to see what Whittaker can do as he makes this transition to the 205-pound weight class.
When he made the jump from welterweight to middleweight, it was easily understood — he was young in his career, had split his first four fights after winning the welterweight competition on The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes, and competing at a more natural weight class seemed like an obvious move.
But this one came as a bit of a surprise to most, and Whittaker understands the public skepticism and apprehension, but believes it will end up being much ado about nothing.
“I understand the test that is light heavyweight,” he said with a smile. “Everyone hits so bloody hard up there, and they’re all tall dudes. Trust me — everybody and their friend has said I’m not a huge middleweight, so I look to silence the doubters.
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“Power is the ultimate equalizer, and I understand that. It doesn’t matter how technical you are; if you get hit hard by a heavy dude, it’s gonna hurt, okay? People are getting knocked out at middleweight. The division doesn’t change it; it’s not like people aren’t getting knocked out anywhere else.
“I understand the threat that is light heavy, but I believe my skill set is a champion level,” he added. “The speed that I have, the physicality that I have is at a champion level, and I’m gonna bring that on Saturday.”
Whittaker pointed to former opponent Paulo Costa, whom he defeated at UFC 298, as someone who has made the same transition and found success, with the Brazilian being stationed at No. 4 in the Meta rankings and No. 7 in the media rankings following his win over Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 327 in April.
“My experience is gonna show its head pretty quickly in the fight,” asserted Whittaker, who will be making his 25th appearance inside the Octagon and competing for the 36th time overall this weekend. “I fought Paulo Costa before — he moved up to light heavy and did well. I fought dudes who hit hard before.
“My experience, my speed, and my ability are going to carry me through these fights, is gonna carry me through this division. I believe in myself, and I believe I can do it.
“And also, I’m a heavy-set guy; I walk around at 220 (pounds) comfortably… when I’m in shape,” he added with a laugh. “Outta shape, it gets a bit hazy.”
Krylov is a perfect measuring stick for Whittaker this weekend — a divisional stalwart with a wealth of experience, the prototypical measurements of the best the division has to offer, and a high finishing rate with no preference when it comes to whether he gets things done on the feet or on the ground.
But after just under a year on the sidelines and having recalibrated everything heading into this next chapter of his career, the light heavyweight newcomer with Hall of Fame credentials is certain that his pedigree and preparation will allow him to make a statement on Saturday night.
“I wanna go in there and execute everything I’ve spent numerous months practicing,” he said. “If I do that, I’m gonna put this guy away, trust me.”
Don’t miss a moment of UFC 329: McGregor vs Holloway 2, live from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 11, 2026. The early prelims begin at 5pm ET/2pm PT, followed by the prelims at 7pm ET/4pm PT and main card at 9pm ET/6pm PT. Stream the entire event live on Paramount+.
Source: www.ufc.com
