Robert Whittaker vs. Yoel Romero 2 has been set as the UFC 225 main event in Chicago.
As anticipated, the UFC 225 main event later this year will see a middleweight rematch take place. Originally reported by Chris Taylor of BJPenn.com, the Chicago card will be topped by 185lb champion Robert Whittaker defending his title against Yoel Romero. The pair first met last year at UFC 213, with interim gold on the line. That night, Whittaker proved to be the better man, earning a unanimous decision despite suffering an early leg injury. Whittaker would later be promoted to the undisputed champion when Georges St. Pierre vacated his 185lb title after winning it from Michael Bisping.
A curious turn of events brought the MMA world back to this particular pairing. Not only did Whitaker see himself promoted to undisputed champion, but Romero earned an unexpected opportunity at a second title shot. That’s because Whittaker was forced off the UFC 221 card last month due to health concerns. The champ had been booked to face Luke Rockhold; instead, Rockhold vs. Romero was made for interim gold.
Romero, however, missed weight, with the end result being that only Rockhold was eligible for the temporary title. It mattered not, however: Romero won anyway, the belt was never awarded, but he did earn the next shot at Whittaker.
For Romero (13–2), the Whittaker loss is the only blemish on his record since 2013. It’s no doubt a loss he’d like to avenge, and having the undisputed title on the line should make it that much sweeter. Whittaker (19–4), meanwhile, will be looking to defend his title for the first time, against the man he actually won it from (prior to being promoted to undisputed champion). On an eight fight win streak, the champion has not lost since 2014, and holds wins over Uriah Hall, Jacare Souza, and Derek Brunson, in addition to the Romero win.
UFC 225 takes place June 9 at the United Center in Chicago, IL.
