UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker will make the first defense of his title this weekend against Yoel Romero, whom he defeated last year by unanimous decision to win the interim title.
Two fights prior to Whittaker’s win over Romero, the Australian headlined a Fight Night card against Derek Brunson, who had been on an impressive run of four consecutive knockout finishes. In a crazy, back-and-forth affair, Whittaker survived Brunson’s ridiculously aggressive early approach, and turned Brunson’s aggression against him, hurting him with a perfectly placed left hand, sending Brunson on skates. Brunson did all he could to stay on his feet, but a head kick would later wobble him again, and Whittaker eventually got Brunson to the canvas and won by TKO.
It was a wild, thrilling contest in front of a raucous crowd, and you can watch the full video at the top of the page. While you’re there, you can also listen to Dan Hardy inadvertently refer to Whittaker as the actor “Forrest Whittaker.”
UFC 225: Whittaker vs. Romero II takes place at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on Saturday, June 9th.
Get the latest gear
