Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker sends a message to MMA fans.
A week ago, former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker withdrew from his scheduled fight against Jared Cannonier at UFC 248. “The Reaper” did not give any specific reason, other than that it was rooted to personal matters that he needs to give priority to at the moment.
Whittaker is no stranger to pulling out of fights, primarily due to injury or health issues. But the vagueness of this most recent one led to several speculations.
In a recent Instagram post, the 29-year-old Australian fighter addressed them by calling on fans to not believe anything they hear or read about him.
Thanks everyone for all the support & well wishes, lots of false rumors out there so please ignore them. I have been off socials working with some personal matters and spending time with my family, i will back very soon, stronger & better than ever before. #alliswell #reapernation
The Cannonier fight was supposed to be Whittakers first Octagon appearance since he dropped the 185-pound title to Israel Adesanya in October.
UFC 248 happens on March 7th at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Headlining the event is Adesanya’s first title defense against Yoel Romero. It will be preceded by a strawweight title fight between champion Weili Zhang and Joanna Jedrzejczyk.