Title-hopeful Kelvin Gastelum has released a statement regarding the cancellation of the UFC 234 main event.
Kelvin Gastelum’s mission for gold is on hold. He’s not letting it get him down, however. Following the announcement that middleweight champion Robert Whittaker was forced out of UFC 234 main event due to a hernia in his abdomen, Gastelum was left without a fight just hours out from the event. Following the loss of the champ, the other half of the main event released a statement, on Twitter, apologizing to friends and family, but finding greater meaning in the setback.
“With much sorrow I write that my fight for the middleweight title is off,” Gastelum began. “I’m sorry to everyone that was expecting this great fight, Family , friends and followers from around the world.”
“God has a reason for doing things and I firmly believe his plans are much bigger and better than I can even imagine. 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.”
He finished by addressing the champion, saying “I wish @robwhittakermma a speedy recovery champ! Get well soon!”
With the loss of Whittaker vs. Gastelum, Adesanya vs. Silva has become the new, non-title, three round main event of UFC 234. Meanwhile, UFC President Dana White said on Saturday’s ESPN preliminary card that Whittaker’s hernia, had it become aggravated during a fight, could potentially have been fatal. Whittaker was in surgery Saturday while the card was underway.
