Robert Whittaker’s shock withdrawal from UFC 221 at Perth Arena sent the MMA world into a spin on Saturday.

The middleweight title picture has had more than its fair share of twists and turns since the division’s former king Anderson Silva was dethroned by Chris Weidman back in 2013. Six men have held the belt in the past five years. Whittaker was crowned undisputed champion after Canadian legend Georges St Pierre abandoned the division last month. The revelation that Whittaker had been ruled medically unable to compete in Perth was a body blow for Australian fans. Australia’s first champion making his first title defence was the perfect headliner for the UFC’s first event in WA.

But the blow was softened somewhat by news of his replacement. Former champion Luke Rockhold – whose upset loss to Michael Bisping in 2016 cost him the belt – will now face Cuban Yoel Romero for the interim title at Perth Arena on February 11. Rockhold (16-3) and Romero (12-2) are widely regarded as the two most dangerous middleweights not named Robert Whittaker. They will fight for the right to face the “The Reaper” in a title unification bout.

Rockhold, 33, has agreed to write a weekly blog exclusively for thewest.com.au detailing the final stages of his preparation for UFC 221. Here’s his first entry, written the morning after he received the news about Whittaker and his new opponent.

Camera Icon Luke Rockhold gears up for his Perth appearance. Credit: Getty Images

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“I found out last night, got the text from my manager. This close to the fight, the last thing you want to hear from your manager is, ‘Call me. It’s urgent’. Your mind starts racing, hoping he doesn’t say those two words, “Whittaker’s out”.

I’m bummed. I’m upset. Of course I am. While everyone out there has been enjoying Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, I’ve been busting my ass preparing for Robert Whittaker. And it sucks that I’ll no longer get to face him at Perth Arena. But I owe Australia a fight and a fight is what you’re going to get.

Yoel Romero is the next best thing. Whittaker is a fast kid, a powerful kid. I’ve been working on my speed, footwork, countering and controlling the distance. Romero is a similar fight on the feet - fast, powerful and explosive. When it comes to the ground I don’t believe either one of them wants to go there with me. It really doesn’t matter, I’m prepared to fight any one of these guys at any time.

Whittaker is the champion. He’s proven himself against the best and is the deserved champion. He had a great 2017 beating the best of the division.

Ultimately I want to test my mettle against him. You know what he didn’t do though? He didn’t finish Yoel Romero at UFC 213. It was a great fight – a close fight – but he couldn’t put him away.

I believe I am the best fighter on the planet and I will do what Whittaker didn’t – and that is stopping Yoel Romero in the Octagon.

Yoel is as dangerous as they come. Of course this isn’t the best situation, but you’ve got to respect it and move on. Ultimately there won’t be a drastic difference in my approach. At this stage we’re still the best three guys in the division and there is no room for error. Yoel and I were always destined to meet, so why not now?

All the best to Whittaker and his family. I wish him a speedy recovery and hope to see him later this year.”

UFC 221 takes place at Perth Arena on Sunday, February 11 and is available to watch on PPV via Main Event, Fetch and UFC.tv.