‘Life-changing’ decision puts Aussie legend back on the map

Robert Whittaker has opened up on the “life-changing” decision to reignite his UFC career, as the Australian star prepares for a return to the octagon after spending nearly 12 months finding himself away from the brutality of the cage.

The 35-year-old has been away from the sport for almost a year after back-to-back losses against Khamzat Chimaev and Reinier de Ridder.

Whittaker admitted during his time away that he had started to feel burnt out, forcing him to “reassess some things” and find his passion once again.

The former middleweight champion spent the time away taking his kids to rugby training, cooking dinner for his family and being there for the birth of daughter Azura in November without having to worry about his next training session.

But there was never any real chance of “Bobby Knuckles” hanging up the gloves.

Instead, he has made the move to light heavyweight, where he makes his return on the Conor McGregor undercard at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on Sunday (AEST).

Speaking to nine.com.au ahead of his clash with Nikita Krylov, the popular Sydney-based fighter explained why the career-altering call made perfect sense.

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“I needed a break after the last fight, needed to reassess some things and find the joy in training again, because I didn’t enjoy the last few camps,” Whittaker said.

“Some changes were needed and I made them. I’ve moved to light heavyweight, I’ve got the whole family with me for this fight and I’m in a really good place.

“This is where I’m meant to be - the middleweight chapter has been closed. I’m much happier, I’m fuelling my training, I’m not feeling so lethargic and fragile.

“The biggest difference is I just feel normal. I’d normally be eating such a scarcity of food right now, which makes me lethargic and fragile. The weight cuts were pretty full on, so I’m in a much more comfortable place.

“Having my family here helps as well. I’m not longing to go home and I’m not itching for the fight to be over and done with ... it’s been life-changing for me.”

Whittaker (27-9) knows the clock is ticking on his stellar career, which saw him rise to history-making heights as the first Australian to win a UFC title.

The move to a division headlined by New Zealand’s Carlos Ulberg and featuring a stack of high-level stars is fuelling Whittaker’s desire to return to title contention.

“Every fight is important - but I’m definitely coming into light heavyweight with the mindset of getting my name into those conversations and push myself into the upper-echelon, which is where I deserve to be,” he said.

“I’m on a fight-by-fight basis right now. The first goal is to reinvent myself and enjoy the process more and beat Krylov on the weekend.

“The future is not set in stone yet. I know I’ve only got a few more in the bank and I want to do other things, but that’s not happening right now.”

As part of the major event in Sin City this weekend, Whittaker will take on No.12-ranked contender Krylov, who won his last fight in January. Whittaker said he will take a cautious approach in the must-win bout.

“Kyrlov is very much a kill or be killed sort of guy,” he said.

“He’s got heavy hands and he’s gonna try lob them at me ... I’ve gotta respect that, stay patient, wait for opportunities and then send him home.”