Kelvin Gastelum reacts following the cancellation of his UFC 234 title fight with Robert Whittaker

Kelvin Gastelum was expected to challenge Robert Whittaker for the promotions middleweight championship in the headliner of tonight’s UFC 234 event in Australia.

That all changed just hours ago, this after UFC President told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto that Robert Whittaker had suffered an injury and would no longer be able to defend his title against Kevlin Gastelum at tonight’s highly anticipated UFC 234 event.

While the promotion did receive a pair of short-notice offers from both Donald Cerrone and Chael Sonnen to help save tonight’s UFC 234 event, officials ultimately chose to pull Kelvin Gastelum from tonight’s fight card.

After his removal from tonight’s event became official, Kelvin Gastelum took to Twitter where he issued the following emotional statement on his now-cancelled UFC 234 title fight with Robert Whittaker.

“With much sorrow I write that my fight for the middleweight title is off. 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. #andnew#OnAmission4Gold”

“I wish Robert Whittaker a speedy recovery champ! Get well soon!”

Kelvin Gastelum was last seen in action at UFC 224 in May of 2018, where he scored a split-decision victory over Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza.

Prior to that, Gastelum was coming off a jaw-dropping knockout win over former title holder Michael Bisping.

UFC 234 will proceed with Anderson Silva vs. Israel Adesanya as tonight’s new three-round main event.

Gastelum’s manager has stated that he hopes Kelvin will fight the winner of Silva vs. Adesanya for the title in his next octagon appearance.