The news was first reported by ESPN and later confirmed by UFC’s Australia/New Zealand Twitter account who shared an article from The West Australian concerning Whittaker’s status.
“I’m beyond disappointed that I’m unable to defend the title in my home country of Australia,” Whittaker said in a statement provided to both outlets. “I hope the fans enjoy what should be a great night of fights at UFC 221 and I look forward to a recovery as soon as possible that will have me back in the Octagon to face the winner of the main event.”
With stats at 19-4, Whittaker won an interim middleweight title back in July at UFC 213 by earning a unanimous decision over Romero. Following Georges St-Pierre’s decision to vacate the lineal belt due to colitis, Whittaker became the undisputed middleweight champion. The 27-year-old has won eight consecutive bouts.
At 12-2, Romero was scheduled to fight David Branch at UFC Orlando on Feb. 24, but he will now face Luke Rockhold, a former UFC and Strikeforce middleweight champion.