Whittaker whips Romero in UFC rematch

Whittaker survived a staggering blow in the fifth round to win a gruelling split decision in a rematch with Yoel Romero at UFC 225 on Saturday night.

Whittaker (21-4) won despite being outworked in the fifth. He was shaken after taking a hard left hand from Romero (13-3) early in the round, and the fight was scored 48-47 by all three judges, one in Romero’s favour.

Whittaker also injured his right hand in the first round. Romero was tentative in the first round and Whittaker damaged his right eye in the second with a kick.