Robert Whittaker Defends Middleweight Title Against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 234
The middleweight title fight between champion Robert Whittaker and challenger Kelvin Gastelum is official for UFC 234 on Feb. 9 from the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia.
UFC officials confirmed the fight on Monday.
??The Return of #TheReaper @RobWhittakerMMA set for #UFC234 in Melbourne ?? pic.twitter.com/3etcQsSwUd
— UFC Aus/New Zealand (@UFC_AUSNZ) November 13, 2018
It’s been a long time coming for the fight between Whittaker and Gastelum after they were originally expected to meet before the end of 2018 after coaching against each other on the latest season of ‘The Ultimate Fighter’.
Unfortunately, Whittaker suffered a hand injury in his most recent title defense against Yoel Romero and it forced him to the sidelines for the remainder of the year. Now with his hand nearly recovered, Whittaker can book his next fight close to home as he looks to defend his middleweight title in Australia.
Meanwhile, Gastelum has won his past two fights in a row including a first round knockout against former champion Michael Bisping to earn his shot at gold.
Gastelum will be stepping into enemy territory when he faces Whittaker in the main event at UFC 234, which takes place on Saturday, Feb. 9 in the U.S. but the date is actually Feb. 10 in Australia.
