There is a lot going on over at the UFC Middleweight division. Israel Adesanya, who is the current Middleweight champion, won back the title from old rival Alex Pereira at UFC 287 and became the MW champ once again. However, other fighters in the division have put their names in the hat to get a shot at the title.
Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis are going to battle it out at UFC 290. Marvin Vettori and Jared Cannonier are also fighting with an eye on the prize. Rumors suggest that the winner between Whittaker and Plessis would attain a title shot against Adesanya. But recent developments suggest that Vettori and Cannonier are also putting their names in for a championship title match.
Robert Whittaker isn’t undermining Du Plessis – praises opponent
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Robert Whittaker is not one for trash talks. He believes in settling the score within the Octagon. In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, the Middleweight fighter was asked by the host what his preparation process has been ahead of his highly anticipated fight against Dricus Du Plessis and what he thought of fighters usually underestimating Du Plessis before they go all out with him.
“I do believe that it is one of the major reasons why Dricus has had the success he’s had because he’s going up against these dudes and these guys are not giving him his… you know his credit. They’re not giving him, the respect his skill set deserves. I fully understand that. I have bled and sweat and trained my butt off to take the war to him, come UFC 290.” said Whittaker.
Both fighters are vying for a title shot but even for the winner a tall task awaits them in the form of a mighty middleweight champion
In the wake of destruction – Israel Adesanya’s mighty middleweight trail
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Riding a winning streak for a good few matches is one thing. However riding that streak and successfully defending the championship belt in a division riddled with prolific fighters, is quite another. Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya has proved to the world that he is, undoubtedly one of the best Middleweight fighters of all time. He has faced Robert Whittaker twice and won both times. He has faced Marvin Vettori twice and has walked away with wins both times. Jared Cannonier also tried his hand to snatch the belt away from him but to no avail.
Moreover, the fighter that Adesanya has recently been beefing with is the only fighter who hasn’t faced the Last Stylebender. Now whether he is the one who will rise above everyone else or will join the flock that is led by Adesanya, is yet to be seen. But first, he has a tough challenge ahead of him – a well-rested, well-trained, and extremely motivated Robert Whittaker.
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What do you make of Whittaker’s comments about his preparation for the upcoming fight? Let us know in the comments section below.
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