During Friday night’s (July 6, 2018) TUF 27 Finale broadcast, it was announced that Robert Whittaker would defend his middleweight title against Kelvin Gastelum later this year with date and venue yet has to be determined. According to Ariel Helwani, the target date reported is December, which would most likely be either UFC 231 in Toronto on the 8th or UFC 232 in Las Vegas on the 29th.
After the show is over, Gastelum will fight Whittaker for the 185 title. The deal we reported earlier is finalized. No specific date announced for the title fight. Current plan is December but it also depends on Whittaker’s hand.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 7, 2018
Kelvin Gastelum and Robert Whittaker will be the coaches on the next (and maybe final) season of TUF.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) July 7, 2018
Before that, both fighters will coach opposite each other on season 28 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).
.@KelvinGastelum has some news about TUF season 28 👀 pic.twitter.com/fjl3wng3bH
— The Ultimate Fighter (@UltimateFighter) July 7, 2018
Last week rumors surfaced that Whittaker will defend his title against former champion Chris Weidman but looks like Gastelum worked out his ‘personal issues.’
Robert Whittaker most recently won a split decision in his rematch vs. Yoel Romero at UFC 225 last month. However, the bout was non-title due to Romero missed the weight.
Kelvin Gastelum, who last defeated Ronaldo Souza at UFC 224, will enter his first ever title fight.
