Interestingly, Israel Adesanya seemingly doesn't consider Robert Whittaker to be a real New Zealander. In an episode of UFC countdown before their first fight at UFC 243, 'The Last Stylebender ...

Robert John Whittaker, born on December 20, 1990, is a New Zealand-born Australian professional mixed martial artist. He competes in the Middleweight division (185 lbs) of the Ultimate Fighting ...

Robert Whittaker explains how he ended up training with past foe Israel Adesanya, and why he’ll never fight Adesanya again in the UFC, or anywhere else. ... it’s New Zealand, ...

However, the confusion did not last for long. The UFC authorities stated on the issue saying that the Robert Whittaker vs Chimaev fight was still active and will remain the co-main event for UFC 308.

ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 26: Robert Whittaker of New Zealand prepares to face ...More Khamzat Chimaev of Russia in a middleweight fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on ...