UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker is now on the road to recovery after surgery this past weekend.
Whittaker was knocked out of a title defense at UFC 234 vs. Kelvin Gastelum with a collapsed bowel and hernia, injuries that could have left him seriously injured had he competed in Australia.
“Hey guys! Still kicking. I’m sorry to all my friends, fans and family for not being able to get in there Sunday,” he said in a video posted on Instagram. “Apparently if you get emergency surgeries you can’t be cleared to fight. Thanks for the overwhelming support from all my fans I am so blessed to know you guys have my back. A big thanks to my team mates and all the others from behind the scenes you guys were there from start to finish worrying and prioritizing my health above all.
“Lastly to Dana White and UFC for the immediate help and support throughout the process of testing and the emergency surgeries. I am blessed I found out when I did and avoided life long consequences. I’ll be back better than ever.”