The UFC middleweight title is once again in turmoil, as UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has been removed from his first title defense match up. Having been deemed medically unfit to face Luke Rockhold, Whittaker has now offered a statement on his future.
Interim UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker was promoted to undisputed champion after Georges St-Pierre vacated his title due to a debilitating case of colitis. For Whittaker’s first title defense, the fighter was set to face off against former champion Luke Rockhold.
The two were locked in for UFC 221, but the title fight has since been revoked. After suffering an undisclosed injury, Whittaker has been removed from the night’s event. As a result, Luke Rockhold will now face tough division contender Yoel Romero for the interim title.
Taking to social media, Robert Whittaker has now offered a statement on the recent news. Check out what Whittaker had to say over Instagram down below:
“I would like to apologize to all my supporters and fans of MMA for not being able to put on the show you deserve. I’ve been ruled medically unable to compete and wont be able to defend on home soil.
“This card meant so much to me and I’m devastated for not being able to fight. All I can do is focus on getting healthy to come back better than ever. All the best to Yoel and Luke for their fight and ill be waiting…”
UFC 221 will take place Feb. 10 inside the Perth Arena in Perth, Western Australia and will be featured live on pay-per-view.
