Dricus Du Plessis embraces his underdog status for UFC 290 and finds a peculiar agreement with it.
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Dricus Du Plessis embraces his underdog status for UFC 290 and finds a peculiar agreement with it. During a pre-fight news conference held in anticipation of the event at T-Mobile Arena, Du Plessis (19-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) addressed the skepticism surrounding his chances, especially among oddsmakers. Presently, major online sportsbooks, as indicated by BestFightOdds, label Du Plessis as a +280 underdog on average.
Instead of being disheartened, Du Plessis embraces this role, finding motivation in defying expectations and proving doubters wrong. The odds may be stacked against him, but Du Plessis remains focused and ready to showcase his skills in the octagon come fight night.
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Rather than engaging in self-promotion or presenting a counterargument, Du Plessis opted for a more reflective approach, acknowledging the prevailing perception. While he respectfully disagrees with the notion that it will prove accurate, Du Plessis understands the widespread sentiment as he prepares to enter the cage against Robert Whittaker (25-6 MMA, 15-4 UFC).
“I didn’t even know I was the favorite every time (before this),” Du Plessis told the media. “With a guy like Whittaker, I’m not surprised that I’m the underdog. On what grounds do you say, ‘No, on betting odds, Dricus is beating Whittaker?’ On what grounds? My opponents don’t add up to his. The amount of fights don’t add up. He’s had the belt. He’s fought the champ twice. He hasn’t lost to anybody else in almost a decade. Yeah, he deserves to be the betting favorite, 100 percent.
Du Plessis remains unfazed by the underdog label, expressing no offense at all. He sees his upcoming fight against Robert Whittaker as a pivotal moment in his career, one that will propel him into the realm of being the favored contender. Du Plessis firmly believes that this is his time to shine and that he will surpass the expectations placed upon him.
“I’m not even offended by it at all. For me, this is where I’m taking over. This is where I become the betting favorite. This is a fight that puts me in that tier. One hundred percent this is my time. There’s a champion and there’s a contender. Up until you beat the champion, nobody believes you’re going to be that champion. Robert Whittaker, rightfully so, is a fan-and-betting-favorite. That is for now, up until I surpass that spot.”
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