The UFC had its first major fight-day fallout of 2019 with UFC 234 on Saturday.
A hernia forced middleweight champion Robert Whittaker out of his main event title defense against Kelvin Gastelum in Melbourne, Australia. Reaction was swift around the MMA world about the change in the show, which will now be headlined by Israel Adesanya vs. Anderson Silva.
With much sorrow I write that my fight for the middleweight title is off.
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) February 9, 2019
I’m sorry to everyone that was expecting this great fight, Family , friends and followers from around the world.
I wish @robwhittakermma a speedy recovery champ! Get well soon!
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) February 9, 2019
God has a reason for doing things and I firmly believe his plans are much bigger and better than I can even imagine.
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) February 9, 2019
I’m so torn about this situation. A lifetime of pursuit to be able to reach this level and I hope none of these efforts will go in vain. #andnew #OnAmission4Gold
Sometimes in this sport everyone loses. Best wishes to champ @robwhittakermma and his family shout outs to @KelvinGastelum for being a good man about it all Fans when theres a bad surprise that makes room for some good ones. Im still watching #UFC234 who you got Spider or StyleB?
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 9, 2019
Whyyyyy Whittaker why?!?! #UFC234
— Jessica Penne (@JessicaPenne) February 9, 2019
Horrible news! https://t.co/hslVxilEKq
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) February 9, 2019
I’m extremely pissed at Bobby’s hernia
— A1 Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) February 9, 2019
Just checked my weight, I’m 190. Fuck it, put me in @danawhite. #ufc234
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) February 9, 2019
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) February 9, 2019
Wow ♂️ https://t.co/YgBdMAmKMl
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) February 9, 2019
Well I’m in Australia @danawhite “ I know a guy!! “
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) February 9, 2019
Who cares if @RobWhittakermma's intestine is stuck in his abdominal muscle and that @KelvinGastelum is a vile, disgusting leper. Uncle @DanaWhite is giving you guys a f@!k'n opportunity, You gotta answer the call!!! #ufc234
— Colby Covington (@ColbyCovMMA) February 9, 2019
WHAT THE FAAAAARRRKKK!!!! https://t.co/rtSKJJFIB6
— Dan Hangman Hooker (@danthehangman) February 9, 2019
Oh, CRIKEY! that sucks for the Aussie champ and the #UFC234 card on home turf. #smh #whycantwehavenicethings https://t.co/FJWBQxaTp1
— The Mane Event™ (@EliasTheodorou) February 9, 2019
Sorry to hear @robwhittakermma is out of his fight tonight. Wishing him a speedy recovery as he’s one the nicest guys I’ve met in this sport
— Chad Laprise (@ChadLaprise) February 9, 2019
Damn!! Get well soon @robwhittakermma https://t.co/xCDjlFwN1k
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) February 9, 2019
FUUUUUUUUUUUCK!
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) February 9, 2019
BREAKING | Robert Whittaker out of UFC 234 title fight main event | https://t.co/4Kr0nDISzk https://t.co/xx59n6PfbV
Per @bokamotoESPN, the new main event will be Israel Adesanya v. Anderson Silva. Absolutely gutted for Robert Whittaker and Kelvin Gastelum. I don't even know what to say. We've got a lot to do before we go live. Show goes on. :( #UFC234
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) February 9, 2019