Australian and New Zealand MMA fans can rest easy, UFC middleweight champ, Robert Whittaker will be back defending in the cage this June – according to Yoel Romero.
Although the bout has yet to be officially announced, during an appearance on the Joe Rogan MMA Show, Tuesday morning, Romero confirmed rumours he will face Whittaker at UFC 225 in Chicago on June 10th.
The rematch comes after Romero’s controversial, yet spectacular finish of top contender Luke Rockhold at UFC 221 in Perth, Western Australia – a fight that was supposed to be Whittaker’s first title defence.
‘The Reaper’ was forced to withdraw from UFC 221 after being struck down by a serious illness in the lead up to his home soil title defence against Rockhold.
This time around Australia is hoping their champion makes it to the fight healthy.
Whittaker previously defeated Romero via unanimous decision, for the interim title back at UFC 213, in July 2017. A win made more impressive after it was revealed Whittaker suffered serious medial ligament damage in his left knee during the first round of the bout.
UFC 225 will be Whittaker’s first title defence, and first fight as undisputed UFC middleweight champion, after former undisputed champion George St Pierre vacated the title in December 2017.
The Aussie is also scheduled to compete at the Commonwealth Games on the Gold Coasts in April after being selected for the Australian wrestling team.
