LONDON – The past 18 months have been a self-described “nightmare” for Robert Whiteford.
Whiteford (15-4 MMA, 0-0 BMMA), a 36-year-old featherweight, was tied up with Russia-based promotion ACA (Absolute Championship Akhmat) and wasn’t being booked for any fights. Eventually, Whiteford was freed of his contract and signed swiftly signed with Bellator.
“(Expletive) hell, man,” Whiteford told MMA Junkie on Thursday. “Where do I start? I haven’t got long enough for this interview. We better get started. Yeah, it’s just been a (expletive) nightmare. I’ve been sitting on the shelf just training my ass off for a fight for an outlaw of a promotion. Who the (expletive) knows what happened with it? My career suffered for it.”
Whiteford was originally scheduled to face Daniel Crawford, who pulled out weeks before their fight. Instead, Whiteford will face Sam Sicilia (16-10 MMA, 2-2 BMMA) in his promotional debut at Bellator Europe 6. Whiteford claims he requested the matchup.
“It was the first name to mind and I fired it straight back to Jude (Samuel) and said, ‘See if Sam’s available. I know he fought recently,'” Whiteford said. “He sent back the contract saying it was perfect.”
Bellator Europe 6 takes place Saturday at The SSE Arena, Wembley . The card streams on MMA Junkie.
Check out MMA Junkie’s full interview with Robert Whiteford in the video above.
