Robert Whittaker Confirms Hand Is Broken; Hopes To Return Before End Of 2018

Robert Whittaker defeated Yoel Romero for the second time at UFC 225 on Saturday night, despite suffering a broken hand during the fight.

The middleweight champion had indicated in his post-fight interview that he suspected his right hand had been broken during the hard-hitting battle, and doctor’s have now confirmed that is the case.

“As soon as I get home, I’m going to have surgery to get a pin in the thumb,” the injury-prone Australian star said on ‘The MMA Hour’ show.

The good news is that it’s not a bad break, but it looks like it will keep the champ out of action for some time to come.

“It’s a clean break, as good as a break can get. It should be pretty good,” Whittaker said. “I’m going to get surgery, going to get my rehab, and get strong. I really want to be fighting before the New Year.”

Looking back on the fight, Whittaker isn’t exactly sure when the break actually occurred, but it seems that it did have a significant effect on his ability to compete the way he would have liked to.

“I don’t remember when I broke it. But I do remember not being able to feel my hand from my fingertips to my forearm I knew something was up, because I never felt it like that before, I’ve broken hands before in fights, but I’ve never had it go that numb, completely unable to close it.”

Ross launched MMA Insight (previously FightOfTheNight.com) in 2009 as a way to channel his passion for the sport of mixed martial arts. He's since penned countless news stories and live fight reports along with dozens of feature articles as the lead writer for the site, reaching millions of fans in the process.