Mixed martial arts fighter Robert Whittaker has become the first Australian to hold an undisputed Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) title.
The 185 pound sydneysider was announced the champion on Friday, after the former middleweight titleholder George St Pierre (GSP) vacated the belt due to a stomach illness called colitis, reports Xinhua news agency.
After racking up eight straight victories inside the octagon with his devastating power and well rounded skill set, Whittaker had already won the UFC's interim strap back in July against feared Cuban wrestler Yoel Romero.
With a major UFC event coming up in Perth during February, many anticipated Whittaker would get his opportunity to unify the belts against St Pierre, but with GSP now out of the picture, it has been announced that American middleweight contender and former champ Luke Rockhold will challenge the Aussie for the title.
Widely expected to break numerous attendance records, the event will be the first UFC card ever held in Western Australia.
--IANS
sam/bg
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app