UFC 329 results: Robert Whittaker blasts Nikita Krylov into self-stoppage

Robert Whittaker breathed new life into his career at UFC 329.

In his light heavyweight debut Saturday, Whittaker (27-9 MMA, 18-7 UFC) finished perennially-ranked contender Nikita Krylov with a brutal punch for a stoppage at 1:01 of Round 3. The bout took place on the prelims at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

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Whittaker, 35, moved up from middleweight, the division he once reigned over, in order to turn his luck around after back-to-back defeats to Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder. He appeared Saturday to have put on the weight, but was still noticeably outsized by Krylov (31-12 MMA, 12-10 UF). But for what Whittaker gave up in size, he made up for in speed.

Krylov tried a grapple-heavy approach early, but eventually Whittaker started having success with his striking. Ultimately, it was a big right hand that sealed the deal. Krylov ate the blow. But upon reset, he repeatedly flexed his jaw – clearly compromised. Krylov retreated and signaled he was done fighting, as the broadcast speculated he may have a broken jaw.