Robert Whittaker talks about leaving UFC 234 and apologizes to Kelvin Gastelum

R. Whittaker hasn't fought since June last year at UFC 225. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @robwhittakermma

With just a few hours to go until UFC 234, Ultimate announced the cancellation of the clash between Robert whittaker e Kelvin Gastelum for the middleweight belt in the main event fight in Melbourne (AUS), on Saturday (09). 'Bobby Knuckles' had to be removed from the duel after being diagnosed with a hernia in the abdomen. In the early hours of Monday (11), the division champion spoke for the first time about his departure from the card.

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In a video posted on his Instagram, Whittaker said he tried to convince doctors to let him fight at UFC 234, but was forced to give up the idea. Professionals told the middleweight champion that climbing into the Octagon could be fatal.

Robert underwent two surgical procedures in Australia: one on his intestine, which was bent, and another on a hernia in his abdomen.

“Let me say that I'm sorry to all my friends, family and fans who came to watch my performance, but unfortunately, I couldn't be there. I was fighting the doctors until they said, 'You have to have surgery or you'll lose part of your intestine.' Or it could be potentially fatal. I had to look at my health first – I'm sorry guys,” Whittaker explained.

The middleweight champion apologized to Kelvin Gastelum who had prepared for the fight, but was unable to enter the Octagon. Robert thanked the fans for their support and assured that he will return 'better than ever' in the next fight.

“I'm sorry for Gastelum, because he came here, prepared himself, came a long way and I couldn't give him a show. You guys know what it takes to keep me away from the octagon. So, you guys giving me strength, supporting me and sending me love means a lot to me. Really. And it makes it easier to try even harder next time, to go in there and put my soul into it and put on a good show for you guys. I'll be back better than ever. This is an obstacle I overcame. It won't keep me down forever. I will come back better than ever”, said the middleweight champion.

 

Visualizar esta foto no Instagram.

 

Hey guys! Still kicking. I'm sorry to all my friends, fans and family for not being able to get in there Sunday. Apparently if you get emergency surgeries you can't be cleared to fight. Thanks for the overwhelming support from all my fans I am so blessed to know you guys have my back. A big thanks to my team mates @fabricioitte @alexprates07 @standstrongboxingcoachjustin @justinlang_ep @titusday77 and all the others from behind the scenes you guys were there from start to finish worrying and prioritizing my health above all. Lastly to @danawhite and @ufc for the immediate help and support throughout the process of testing and the emergency surgeries. I am blessed I found out when I did and avoided life long consequences. I'll be back better than ever.

A publication shared by Robert whittaker (@robwhittakermma) on 10 from Fev, 2019 to 7: 01 PST