Robert Whittaker Has Grim News for Sean Strickland for His Title Bout at UFC 328

Sean Strickland will attempt to erase Khamzat Chimaev‘s undefeated record this weekend at UFC 328. Many UFC middleweights and welterweights have failed to do that, including former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. Having fought ‘Borz’, the Australian isn’t too optimistic about Strickland’s chances at UFC 328 against Chimaev.

Robert Whittaker fought Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 308, headlined by Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. Their co-main event fight in Abu Dhabi lasted less than a round as Chimaev outgrappled and submitted the Australian in the first round. Whittaker believes his former opponent can do the same thing to Strickland.

Whittaker revealed this to Shakiel Mahjouri as the two previewed UFC 328 on the UFC on Paramount YouTube channel. Whittaker spoke about what it was like to face Chimaev and why his grappling remained so unstoppable.

Having been in there with Chimaev, having seen what Chimaev can do, once he gets his hands on you, and he will, because he shoots from so far away. And he commits wholeheartedly, and he will get you to the mat. It’s what happens after. Seeing that he has the cardio to be able to do that for five rounds as well. Mate, Chimaev’s gonna run him over.

Robert Whittaker via UFC on Paramount

Robert Whittaker believes Khamzat Chimaev is gonna “run over” Sean Strickland 😳

“Having been in there with Chimaev… gun to my head, Chimaev’s gonna run him over.”

(via @UFConParamount) pic.twitter.com/hBYNK9ZFKh

— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 4, 2026

While Robert Whittaker has faced one half of the UFC 328 main event, he has not faced the other. In fact, Sean Strickland is the only active former middleweight champion to have skipped fighting the ‘Reaper’ before getting the title. Alex Pereira did not fight Whittaker either; however, he is now a heavyweight.

So that could explain why the Australian is unconvinced by Sean Strickland ahead of UFC 328. Moreover, Tarzan’s comments about him must not have helped the situation either, dropping an obscene analogy for a potential fight against Robert Whittaker, given the latter’s recent career trajectory.

Speaking of which, the Australian has not fought since his close split decision loss to Reinier De Ridder last year. However, it seems that is about to change after the revelation he made to Mahjouri in his recent interview.

Robert Whittaker reveals he is in camp for light heavyweight

For months now, Robert Whittaker has teased a move to light heavyweight. Many are critical of the ‘Reaper’, claiming he is too small for the division, considering he isn’t very big for middleweight either. However, the former champion has shut down his naysayers, remaining steadfast to his objective.

It seems now that a fight announcement is on the horizon for Whittaker. As he and Shakiel Mahjouri further broke down the UFC 328 main event, they discussed a potential move to 205lbs for Khamzat Chimaev. This eventually brought them to Whittaker’s own move to light heavyweight, and that was when the former champion revealed the following.

I’m in camp. Let’s put it that way. I’m in camp. I’ve got a name, I’ve got a date. I’m in prep. I’m in camp.

Robert Whittaker via UFC on Paramount

As reported by Vestnik MMA in a post on X, Robert Whittaker is rumored to be fighting Nikita Krylov in his light heavyweight debut. The fight is allegedly being planned for UFC 329 on July 12, which happens to coincide with Conor McGregor‘s rumored return during International Fight Week. If true, the ‘Reaper’ could be fighting for a way into the light heavyweight top 15 in his first fight.

The Australian had also previously stated that he would return in July, but did not delve into any more details. But now, with the division in disarray, the time may be perfect for one final title run from Robert Whittaker.

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