Rockhold UFC champ Whittaker's first task
Australia's first UFC world champion Robert Whittaker will stage his opening defence against formidable American former titleholder Luke Rockhold, who has already tasted victory Down Under.
With injured Canadian Georges St-Pierre vacating the title this week, Whittaker has been elevated from interim champion to undisputed champion and will fight Rockhold In Perth on February 11.
The two will attend media conferences in Perth and Sydney next week.
Currently in high altitude training, Whittaker had a succinct reaction to news of his elevation in status and confirmation of his next fight.
"It's on," he posted on his Instagram account.
"Perth, we've got a main event!!"
The Sydneysider won the interim middleweight belt against Cuban Yoel Romero last July when then champion Michael Bisping was injured.
Bisping subsequently lost his title to Canadian legend St-Pierre.
Rockhold is the third-ranked contender for the title
The 33-year-old Californian's last visit to Australia resulted in a second round submission win over Bisping in Sydney in November 2014, though the Englishman avenged that loss last year.
