With UFC 290 on the horizon, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker refuses to take anything for granted
With UFC 290 on the horizon, former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker refuses to take anything for granted. Despite being the overwhelming favorite in his upcoming bout against Dricus Du Plessis on July 8. Whittaker remains vigilant and determined to secure the victory that would propel him towards a title shot against current champion Israel Adesanya. While Whittaker boasts an impressive record of 12-0 against anyone not named Adesanya in the middleweight division since 2014. He understands the importance of staying focused and not underestimating his opponent.
Du Plessis, with his undefeated 5-0 UFC record, faces a significant challenge in Whittaker. Although the South African contender has yet to face an opponent of Whittaker’s caliber. He has displayed vulnerability against the level of opposition he has encountered thus far. As a result, Du Plessis enters UFC 290 as a considerable underdog.
Despite his favorable odds, Whittaker remains cautious and refuses to overlook his opponent. At 32 years old, Whittaker stands at a crucial juncture in his career. While he has enjoyed great success in the middleweight division, except for his encounters with Adesanya, he understands the significance of this upcoming bout. Whittaker suffered a devastating knockout loss to Adesanya in October 2019, relinquishing his title, and followed it with a more closely contested unanimous decision loss in their rematch in February 2022 at UFC 271.
However, Whittaker has demonstrated resilience and growth since those setbacks. Following his defeat to Adesanya, he rebounded with a decision victory over Marvin Vettori in September of the same year. Whittaker’s continuous improvement in his skill set remains evident with each fight, and he aims to bridge the talent gap between himself and Adesanya in what could be his final opportunity to face his rival.
UFC President Dana White has already confirmed that the winner of the Whittaker vs. Du Plessis matchup will earn the next shot at Adesanya’s title. While the UFC plans to schedule Adesanya’s next title defense for UFC 293 on September 10 in Sydney, this timeline would provide Whittaker with little time for recovery if he emerges victorious against Du Plessis. Nevertheless, Whittaker embraces the challenge and is prepared for a quick turnaround.
As the highly anticipated UFC 290 approaches, Whittaker’s focus remains unwavering. He understands the stakes involved and recognizes that his path to redemption and a shot at the title runs through his upcoming bout. Whittaker’s determination and commitment to his craft make him a formidable force in the middleweight division. And fans can expect an electrifying performance as he looks to secure his place as the next No. 1 contender.
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