After an unexpected health complication stopped middleweight champion, Robert Whittaker, from defending his title against Kelvin Gastelum, earlier this month, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) board, has booked an interim title fight pending the champ’s recovery.
Nigerian middleweight, Israel Adesanya, will now face first-rate title-challenger, Gastelum, in a pay-per-view event for UFC 236, on April 13.
Although a venue is yet to be fixed for the fight, the President of the UFC, Dana White, made the announcement on Tuesday.
Gastelum (15-3) and Whittaker (20-4), were originally billed to fight for the 185-pound title at the UFC 234 in Melbourne, Australia. However, few hours to the event, Whittaker withdrew from the fight on the basis of a health condition. The UFC champion was hospitalized with an abdominal hernia, and had to undergo an emergency surgery that same day.
According to his management, the Sydney man is still in recovery. However, he is expected to make a quick return to the ring later this year.
Meanwhile, Gastelum will face Adesanya (16-0), who defeated Anderson Silver on decision at UFC 234.
Adesanya is undefeated in the UFC, with a record 5-0 wins in less than 12 months.
Both fighters will be defending their place in the UFC rank. Gastelum is eager to put Adesanya in his place, while the Nigerian is looking to extend his unbeaten record in the UFC.
Featured image source: Heightline
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