UFC middleweight Israel Adesanya will headline UFC 234 in Melbourne after champion Robert Whittaker was ruled out with a hernia.
Israel Adesanya during UFC 234 Press Conference Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz
UFC president Dana White told ESPN that Whittaker complained of pain in his abdomen late last night, and was taken to a local hospital, where he was diagnosed with a hernia and will undergo surgery later today.
UFC's rising star Israel Adesanya (15-0) and Anderson Silva (34-8) will now headline UFC 234, with the winner promised a shot at the title later in the year although now with Whittaker off the card the potential date is uncertain.
Israel Adesanya and Anderson Silva during UFC 234 Press Conference Photo: © Photosport Ltd 2019 www.photosport.nz
Whittaker, 28, was forced to pull out of a title defense in February 2018 as a result of injury - representatives for Whittaker have not responded to requests for comment.
Elevated to the co-main is the lightweight matchup between American Lando Vannata and Brazilian Marcos Mariano.
Due to change in the main event, customers may request a full refund of their purchased tickets at the point of sale.
Fellow New Zealand teammates flyweight Kai Kara-France and featherweight Shane Young will also feature on today's main card.
- RNZ