Whittaker (photo via UFC / YouTube)

By FCF Staff

Following Robert Whittaker’s withdrawal from UFC 248, Dana White is praising the former middleweight champ for being a caring and selfless person.

Whittaker was booked to fight Jared Cannonier at the March 7th card, but recently it was reported he had dropped out due to personal reasons. After that, the Australian fighter also confirmed he’s taking some time to spend with his family and to refocus.

Recently White spoke with Submission Radio, and while discussing Whittaker’s withdrawal, the UFC President said this (quotes via BJ Penn.com):

“Let me put it to you this way,” White said. “That’s personal for Whittaker. If Whittaker wants to talk about that, he can, but I’ll tell you this, when you talk about somebody whose priorities are in the right place, who is completely selfless and down to the core a good human being, that’s Robert Whittaker.

“The reason Robert Whittaker is not fighting in this fight is one of the most unselfish things I’ve seen in my life. He’s a good man, he’s a good human being, and I have a lot of respect for him. Good luck to him in what he’s dealing with right now. I can’t put into words and articulate how I feel about Robert Whittaker. He’s the real deal, man.”

The 29-year-old Whittaker (20-5) had his run as middleweight champ halted by Israel Adesanya in October, who stopped him in round two.

UFC 248 will be hosted by the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and will feature Adesanya taking on Yoel Romero.