The UFC confirmed that undisputed middleweight champion Robert Whittaker (20-4-0) will face undefeated interim champion Israel Adesanya (17-0-0) at Melbourne’s UFC 243 in October.
Both fighters appeared at the UFC Summer press conference at UFC 239, with Adesanya accusing Whittaker of disrespect and inactivity.
Whittaker, 26, hasn’t fought since defeating Yoel Romero for the belt at UFC 225 in June 2018. He was supposed to defend against Kelvin Gastelum at UFC 234, but was forced to pull out hours before the bout with an abdominal hernia of the intestine and a twisted and collapsed bowel.
I have unfinished business here…see you in October, Melbourne Australia.
@marvelstadiumau #UFC243 #timetounify #reapernation @ufc pic.twitter.com/fjY2vwdbkv— Robert Whittaker (@robwhittakermma) July 23, 2019
Meanwhile, the 29 year old Adesanya who debuted at UFC 225 in February 2018, has been active with six octagon bouts under his belt. He defeated Gastelum by decision at UFC 236 in April to win the interim belt.
Fucken tap ‘n gap kiieent!! 🏃🏾♂️💨
Lol I’m laughing cuz I know that baby waaay too white to be mine!
I ain’t paying a dime in child support for your bastardized unbaptized baby 😂😂😂
Thots be having a #hotgirlsummer then come tryna holla! FOH!!#UFC243 #Melbourne #tapngap again https://t.co/Fls0qzIBCA— Israel Adesanya (@stylebender) July 23, 2019
UFC 243 is scheduled for Oct. 6 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia.
More bouts are expected to be announced.
