On Saturday, at UFC 213, Robert Whittaker earned his first taste of UFC gold.
In the main event, Whittaker fought Yoel Romero for an interim title in the stacked UFC middleweight division.
Whittaker and Romero fought in a back-and-forth battle that showed that both fighters deserved to fight for a championship.
In the end, Whittaker just barely earned a unanimous decision win. Romero appeared to have done enough to win the first couple rounds, but Whittaker finished strong and took over the fight in the final three rounds.
With his interim title win, Whittaker is next in line to fight UFC Middleweight Champion Michael Bisping. The two will meet once Bisping heals from his knee injury.
Below, you can see how UFC fighters reacted to Whittaker earning his first UFC championship.
Crazy to think how Whittaker used to make welterweight ? #UFC213
— Jon SuperSaiyan Tuck (@JonCruzTuck) July 9, 2017
The longer this goes. The longer gay Jesus sheds a tear I reckon. #UFC213
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 9, 2017
Romero throwing your typical combo (sarcasm)…flying knee into a double leg. ? Scary athleticism. #UFC213
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 9, 2017
Joe is right but it's from one of Yoel's early hop side kicks. #UFC213
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) July 9, 2017
I reckon he hyper-extended his knee. #UFC213
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) July 9, 2017
Wow both looking good out there especially Whittaker
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) July 9, 2017
Fucking knee push kicks are fuckin dirty #UFC213
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) July 9, 2017
Whitaker knee hurt from push kicks
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 9, 2017
I wish I looked liked Yoel Remero oiled up. #glycerin #UFC213
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 9, 2017
Romero 2-0
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 9, 2017
A winning round on the scorecards for Romero, but a psychological victory for Whittaker. Romero is tired. #UFC213
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) July 9, 2017
Romero really needs to watch out for right high kick of Whittaker as he ducks out of way of Rob's left hook against the cage. #UFC213
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) July 9, 2017
Spoke about it earlier with some friends–Whittaker gets out of the 2nd RD this fight is his. Cardio, speed, power, awareness. #UFC213
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) July 9, 2017
Someone looks very tired. I'd be shocked if it makes it out of this round. #UFC213
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) July 9, 2017
Yoel chasing water falls between rounds. #tlc #UFC213
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) July 9, 2017
Whittaker round. 2-1 Romero.
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 9, 2017
Whittaker's takedown defense is looking damn good. Romero is a high level wrestler to be battling with.
— Andre Fili (@TouchyFili) July 9, 2017
This fight is like the Matrix #ufc213
— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) July 9, 2017
I understand these are bigger guys, and Yoel is much older, but how does he always get so gassed in these fights? Must be addressed. #UFC213
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) July 9, 2017
This @YoelRomeroMMA vs @robwhittakermma is gnarly. Impressed @ufc
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) July 9, 2017
Shit was crazy. I guess Whittaker is the scariest man alive #ufc213
— Felice Herrig (@feliceherrig) July 9, 2017
Bisping moving fast for an injured man!? #UFC213
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) July 9, 2017
Whittaker corner just tried to lynch him with his reebok shirt. ?other than than flawless performance by him and his team #UFC213
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) July 9, 2017
