Why Was Robert Whittaker Pulled Out of the first fight against Kelvin Gastelum?

Robert Whittaker is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. His presence inside the octagon is no less than a visual treat for MMA fans worldwide. As of 2021, the New Zealand-born Australian has been ranked at #1 in the UFC middleweight rankings.

The terrific fighter has been professionally fighting since 2009 and is also a former UFC Middleweight Champion. ‘The Reaper’ is already a big name in the game and is all set to create history in his division.

Besides his performances, the 30-year-old is also known for his injuries. In 2018 news outlets reported that Whittaker was pulled out of UFC 234.

Robert Whittaker and UFC 234

In the year 2019 at UFC 234, Whittaker was all set to go against Kelvin Gastelum as his next middleweight title defense. However, to everybody’s surprise, the fighter pulled out of the fight just a few hours before the actual bout. The reason for this sudden decision was a dual surgery that the fighter had to undergo.

The fighter had an abdominal hernia of the intestine and a twisted and collapsed bowel due to which this emergency decision was taken. His opponent, Kelvin Gastelum, said, “With much sorrow I write that my fight for the middleweight title is off. I’m sorry to everyone that was expecting this great fight, Family, friends and followers from around the world”

Whittaker’s take on the incident

The Australian has certainly been subject to a lot of injuries in the past. The way he has taken everything positively is really inspiring. In one of his interviews, the fighter said, “I haven’t even started the rehab process yet.

“Just more letting it heal first before I can implement that. They put a plate and some screws in (on the right hand). Realistically I’m looking at February next year.”

“I’m not worried that it’ll have any effect on my performance,” he said. “I haven’t even reached the peak of my potential. This hard fight is going to mold me and shape me as to how I approach fights from here on. I think everyone has to have their mettle tested in a tough fight. That was one of them for me.”

‘The Reaper’ is one of the greatest champions the UFC has ever seen. With his willpower and never-give-up attitude, he is on his way to becoming a legend of the game. Whittaker is now all set to face Gastelum on 17 April 2021 at UFC on ESPN 22.