ROBERT Whittaker is ready to confirm his standing as Australia’s No.1 fighter after being catapulted into his first UFC main event.

The Daily Telegraph can reveal Whittaker, ranked No.7 in the middleweight division, will now headline the UFC Melbourne card on November 26 following an injury to American superstar Luke Rockhold.

Rockhold was set to be the main event against Brazilian Ronaldo ‘Jacare’ Souza, but has been forced to withdraw due to a knee injury.

Yet rather than find another opponent for Souza, UFC matchmaker Joe Silva phoned Whittaker early on Wednesday to let the Sydneysider know his fight against American Derek Brunson, ranked No.8, will now take top billing.

Continuing preparations for the fight in Smeaton Grange, a confident Whittaker welcomed the news saying: “This is a massive honour ... and it won’t be the last time I main event a UFC event, either.”

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media_camera Rob Whittaker will headline UFC Fight Night 101 in Melbourne. Picture: Brett Costello

Unbeaten in his past five fights, 25-year-old Whittaker sits only two wins from a shot at the middleweight strap held by Englishman Michael Bisping.

The Melbourne main event also gives the father-of-one another chance to push his claims as Australia’s No.1 fighter.

Earlier this year, three-time world boxing champion Danny Green told The Daily Telegraph Whittaker had taken top billing from a raft of contenders including stripped world heavyweight champion boxer Lucas Browne, rising Queensland welterweight Jeff Horn and UFC cult favourite Mark Hunt.

Asked about the opportunity to headline his first Australian event, Whittaker continued: “I’m absolutely pumped.

“Obviously it isn’t the same as if I was headlining from the very start.

media_camera Whittaker scored a dominant decision over highly-rated Uriah Hall at UFC 193.

“I’m filling in. I know that.

“But it’s still a real honour and privilege for me.

“I was actually still in bed when Joe (Silva) phoned to say I’d been given the main event.”

And your reaction.

“I said ‘ah, OK’,’’ Whittaker laughed.

“For me it doesn’t really matter if it’s last fight, first fight, whatever. It’s still the same fight.

“But in saying that, I’m really looking forward to this opportunity. And I’ve never been more confident with a preparation.

media_camera The highly anticipated rematch between Luke Rockhold (L) and ‘Jacare’ Souza (R) has been cancelled.

“Like all camps you have your ups and downs. But now a few weeks out it really feels like I’m doing everything exactly right.

“I know it’s only a matter of time before I get a shot at that world title.”

Fighting out of North Carolina, Brunson is also undefeated in his past five fights and represents a huge challenge for Whittaker.

In his current win streak, Brunson has collected four of his victories via KO or TKO.

“But I think I beat him right across the board,’’ Whittaker insisted.

“Obviously he has his skills and strengths just as I have mine. So my goal is to bring him into my world. Take him to places where I’m most comfortable.

“That’s the key.”