Robert Whittaker explains why he has the edge over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290
Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker explained why he has the edge over Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 290.
Whittaker and Du Plessis meet in a No. 1 contender fight this summer at UFC 290, with the winner getting the next title shot against UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. Considering Whittaker already has two losses to the champion on his resume, this is a vital fight for him to win if he wants to remain in title contention at 185lbs. Of course, Du Plessis will have something to say about that as he looks to pull off the upset in this spot.
Although Du Plessis is a dangerous opponent, Whittaker believes he has his number in this fight. Speaking on his MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker explained why he believes he has the edge over Du Plessis.
“I’m not underestimating Dricus at all. You don’t get to where he is in the division without being damn good at what you do. I understand he’s tough. I understand he’s got cardio and he’s got the complete skill set. But I do believe that I am just better. I believe I have everything he does and more, and more to give, and I’m better at it. That’s just the truth. That’s just facts,” Whittaker said (via MMAjunkie.com).
As far as Whittaker goes, although he knows the fight with Du Plessis will be a war, he believes he has all of the tools needed in order to take his opponent out.
“I never underestimate my opponents, and I know not to underestimate Dricus. He’s the sort of guy that if you underestimate him, which a lot of people have, he dismantles you. He beats you up, takes you into the phone booth. He makes it a really yucky fight, and I’m not going to do that,” Whittaker said. “I’m training for war – absolute 15 minutes of carnage, and that’s how I always do my fights because he’s a tough guy. But let me say: I’m very good at fighting tough guys, and I’m good at dismantling them. I look forward to finally getting back in there, International Fight Week, and being across from him and doing my job.”
Who do you think wins at UFC 290 between Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis?
