The immediate future of their luckless middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is up in the air, but it won't prevent the UFC continuing its love affair with Australia later this year.
Whittaker went to a Chicago hospital with what UFC boss Dana White said was a broken hand, which the Sydneysider injured in his rematch with Yoel Romero on Sunday (AEST).
White said a decision about Whittaker's next bout wouldn't be made until it was clear how long he'd be out of action for.
But White stressed UFC was still committed to staging a second promotion in Australia this year, even if the most obvious local drawcard in Whittaker doesn't recover in time.
He said the promotion in Perth last February, which Whittaker had been forced to withdraw from, had been a huge success.
"We'll be back to Australia (this year)," said White, though no city or date has been locked in yet.
"Every time we go to Australia the fans are incredible, the fights are always good for some reason.
"That place is just an absolute home run for us."
White praised Whittaker for the toughness and durability he showed against Romero, who pummelled him in the final round.
The hand problem was the latest in a series of injury and illness issues which have plagued Whittaker and not allowed him to fight since his first win over Romero 11 months ago.
"This kid (Whittaker) can't catch a break," White said.
Share
