Robert Whittaker expressed disappointment over rumors of a middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya, stating that while he understands the decision, he is hurt by Adesanya getting another title shot.
Robert Whittaker ain’t too pleased, folks. He’s got a bone to pick with the latest middleweight gossip.
Dricus du Plessis, the reigning champ, was supposed to defend his title. The contender? None other than two-time champ Israel Adesanya. The venue? UFC 305 in Perth, Australia.
But here’s the kicker: the fight ain’t even official yet. Still, du Plessis took to social media on Tuesday. He accepted the matchup and location, much to Whittaker’s chagrin.
“Adesanya fighting for a title again? That stings,” Whittaker quipped on his MMArcade podcast. “But hey, I get it. Dricus called for it. He’s the big dog, he gets his way. Plus, Adesanya’s a crowd-pleaser. The fight seemed inevitable, if you ask me.”
Whittaker’s got a past with both Adesanya and du Plessis. Adesanya KO’d “Bobby Knuckles” for the middleweight title at UFC 243 in Australia. Three years later, he won a contentious split decision over Whittaker. As for du Plessis? He finished Whittaker at UFC 290, earning his own middleweight title shot.
Whittaker’s got a unique perspective on this fight. He’s been in the ring with both fighters.
“It’s a fascinating matchup,” Whittaker mused. “Adesanya could just pick him apart for five rounds. But, du Plessis is tough as nails, and he’s got an awkward style. He could just get in there, make it weird, and throw Adesanya off his game. Remember when Adesanya fought Strickland? Strickland’s aggressive style changed the fight’s rhythm.”
Adesanya didn’t handle that too well. If du Plessis can replicate that, he might find similar success.
UFC 305 is set for Aug. 18 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Meanwhile, Whittaker’s got his own battle to focus on. He’s up against Khamzat Chimaev in the main event of UFC Saudi Arabia on June 22, in Riyadh.