‘This is very upsetting’ — Robert Whittaker confirms his removal from UFC 284: Makhachev vs. Volkanovski

Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is formally off of UFC 284.

For its return to Australia, the UFC introduced Whittaker vs. Paulo Costa as one of many featured fights for the upcoming pay-per-view on Feb. 11 at RAC Area in Perth. Nevertheless, the announcement was untimely, in keeping with Costa, who continued to say he had yet to sign a contract.

On Monday, it was reported that Whittaker vs. Costa was officially canceled, because the UFC and ‘Borrachinha’ had failed to return to phrases on a brand new contract. With out an opponent, the ‘Reaper’ is now not combating on UFC 284.

“I’m positive you’ve seen the media and the rumors going round proper now concerning the Perth card and it’s upsetting to say — very upsetting to say — they’re true,” mentioned Whittaker in a video shared on Twitter. “The battle with Costa has fallen aside. UFC tried all the pieces of their energy to get him to the battle. They gave him the brand new contract, from what I perceive, to take the battle and he nonetheless didn’t take the battle. So yeah, the Perth battle shouldn’t be occurring. They’re seeking to reschedule me March [or] April. That is very upsetting.

“I’m sorry to all the buddies, followers, and household which might be heading over there to look at me do work, however yeah, it’s out of my arms,” continued Whittaker. “I’m upset. I used to be ready to coach by way of Christmas, to coach by way of New 12 months’s, to place within the work. We’re already so deep into my camp. Everybody is aware of that I prepare. My camps are fairly lengthy. I’m already so deep into my camp and work and I wish to take the household out and go on vacation after the battle. I needed to purchase the children some new toys, earn some cash, you already know, pay the lease. Yeah, all that’s placed on the again burner for now. All of that has been pushed again. It’s upsetting for me.”

Although he has no particular date or opponent, Whittaker expects to coach for every time and whoever the UFC finds for him.

“I’m simply going to coach, I’m going to coach my hardest, I’m going to coach like a demon and simply take out my frustrations on the subsequent man,” mentioned Whittaker. “Whoever they put in entrance of me. In that first quarter, I’m going to get in there after which do my work.”

Whittaker returned to the win column with a unanimous decision towards Marvin Vettori at UFC Paris in September.