Mixed martial arts fans are running out of superlatives to describe Robert Whittaker’s heroic act for his sick daughter.
The Australian fighter recently lost his middleweight title to Israel Adesanya after a second-round knockout loss in the main event of UFC 243.
The Nevada-based promotion booked him in a middleweight clash against Jared Cannonier for UFC 248 but he withdrew from the fight a few days ago due to personal reasons.
“I’m sorry to all my friends, supporters and family for not being able to fight in March.”
“A lot has happened over the 12 last months and I need to take some time now to be with my family, slow things down and to refocus.”
“Sorry to everyone again but I’ll be back. The best is yet to come,” Whittaker wrote in a post.
It turns out Whittaker pulled out of the March card because he is set to donate his bone marrow to his sick daughter, Lilliana, as per a report from The Sun.
Selfless Act
UFC president Dana White has lauded ‘Bobby Knuckles’ for such selfless act, saying it “is one of the most unselfish things I’ve seen in my life.”
“That’s personal for Whittaker. If Whittaker wants to talk about that, he can,” White stated.
“But I’ll tell you this, when you talk about somebody whose priorities are in the right place, who is completely selfless and down to the core a good human being, that’s Robert Whittaker.”
“The reason Robert Whittaker is not fighting in this fight is one of the most unselfish things I’ve seen in my life.”
Meanwhile, on Twitter, the former UFC champion has become an inspiration to many MMA fans.
Check out some of the reactions from Twitter-verse to Whittaker donating his bone marrow to his daughter:
https://twitter.com/elchapo0101/status/1219574015469260802
https://twitter.com/dylanwayne77/status/1219616101430153218
Robert whittaker is a inspiration. I'm a Lifetime fan https://t.co/NL69w0IKBY
— Nate Goldsby (@NateGoldsby) January 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/N12_V/status/1219652427193954305
This almost brought me to tears man… People love Robert Whittaker not because he can fight, he is an amazing person that is a role model for everyone https://t.co/kzCaJptqqD
— MMAClay (@MMACLAY_) January 21, 2020
Robert Whittaker is an incredible human being
— Chael “Stylebender” Sonnen (@chaelgoat) January 21, 2020
Thoughts and prayers for Robert Whittaker and his daughter hope everything turns out ok. He is a true champion in and out of the octagon. pic.twitter.com/FANVk0Noua
— Throw In The Towel (@TowelThrow) January 21, 2020
Robert Whittaker has reportedly pulled out of his fight with Jared Cannonier so he can donate bone marrow to his daughter.
I can't think of a more selfless fighter in the sport of MMA.
— Tom Broome-Jones (@TBroomey) January 21, 2020
Robert Whittaker is a saint.
— Jack Zampillo-MMA (@jack_zampillo15) January 21, 2020
https://twitter.com/Leospass/status/1219681126282940418
https://twitter.com/333Wonton/status/1219679053722148865
https://twitter.com/_decoh1/status/1219747957903327232
https://twitter.com/mikesocoby/status/1219781375819165697
Robert Whitaker is the embodiment of a man who has the heart of a lion and the spirit of a warrior. Much props to him for doing what’s best for his family. Hope to see you soon Bobby Knuckles ❤️
— MMA Wise Guys (@MMAwiseguys) January 22, 2020
Robert Whittaker pulling out his fight so he could donate bone marrow to his daughter, different level of respect for that!
— Tom Bond (@93Bondy) January 22, 2020
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Robert Whittaker)