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Saturday, Jan 13, 2018

UFC 221: Yoel Romero Steps in For Robert Whittaker

Yoel Romero (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Robert Whittaker’s first title defense has been put on hold, as the middleweight has been forced out of a February 11th bout with Luke Rockhold. As  a result, the UFC has announced that Yoel Romero has stepped in and will now battle the former champ for an interim, middleweight title.

According to the promotions statement, Whittaker has been ruled medically unfit to compete due to “several significant injuries”. In the announcement, the champion is also quoted saying:

“I’m beyond disappointed that I’m unable to defend the title in my home country of Australia. I hope the fans enjoy what should be a great night of fights at UFC 221 and I look forward to a recovery as soon as possible that will have me back in the Octagon to face the winner of the main event.”

Romero (12-2), who was expected to fight David Branch on February 28th, is coming off a decision loss to Whittaker last July. Rockhold (16-3) submitted Branch in his last outing, which took place in September.

UFC 221 will take place in Perth, Australia.

posted by FCF Staff @ 9:35 am
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