Report: Robert Whittaker vs. Yoel Romero II in works for UFC 225

When Robert Whittaker pulled out of his planned title fight against Luke Rockhold back on January 13th – ahead of their UFC 222 bout – the news sounded grim. Whittaker apparently had contracted a staph infection in his stomach, one that had reportedly started to eat away at his organs.

To add insult to injury, as he was recovering from one illness, he contracted another, coming down with chicken pox; a seemingly devastating turn of events for the newly crowned champ. In response, the UFC quickly looked to set up an interim title, pitting Rockhold against fellow top contender Yoel Romero.

Romero would end up missing weight at UFC 222, making the planned interim belt something of a wasted idea. He defeated Rockhold via KO, in the 3rd round, behind a stunning left hand. And while he wasn’t eligible to win that belt, maybe it was all for the best. It seems Whittaker will be back sooner than anticipated.

Ariel Helwani confirmed recent reports that the UFC is currently in negotiations to book Whittaker vs. Romero 2 for their upcoming June 9th PPV card in Chicago, IL.

The men met for the first time back in July of last year, where Whittaker defeated Romero via unanimous decision to win an interim title. At the time, then champion Michael Bisping was preparing to lose his belt to Georges St-Pierre, who would eventually vacate. Romero’s bout against Rockhold was his first since the Whittaker loss. Meanwhile ‘Bobby Knuckles’’ illness has kept him out of competition since their initial meeting.

Currently the UFC is also targeting bouts between Claudia Gadelha & Carla Esparza, Joseph Benavidez & Sergio Pettis, and Alistair Overeem & Curtis Blaydes for the event. Stay tuned to Bloody Elbow for more news and updates.