UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker’s next fight could be set very soon.
According to multiple sources, the UFC is in serious talks to book Whittaker versus top contender Kelvin Gastelum later this year. An exact date isn’t set, however, but sources say the targeted time frame would be the end of 2018.
Whittaker (20-4) is coming off a split-decision victory over Yoel Romero last month at UFC 225. Following the fight, Whittaker had surgery on his broken right hand, and, according to sources, the surgery was a success.
Gastelum (15-3, 1 NC) has won his last two in a row. He most recently defeated Ronaldo Souza in May via split decision.
The race to fight Whittaker next came down to Gastelum and former 185-pound champion Chris Weidman, who beat Gastelum last July. Should the Whittaker-Gastelum fight get finalized, Weidman is expected to return in the fourth quarter of 2018.