Robert Whittaker Opens Up on “Scary Individual” Dricus du Plessis as UFC 290 Opponent Feuds With Israel Adesanya Over African Heritage

All MMA fans in Sydney, buckle up your belts and get your popcorn ready because UFC is returning to your city after six long years. Dana White recently announced that the UFC is holding a major PPV (UFC 293) in Sydney on Sept 9th, 2023. The most logical reason behind this move might be the success of UFC 284 in Perth.

Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya is probably going to be the man headlining the massive PPV, but against whom? Middleweight contenders Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis are going to face each other at UFC 290 in a title eliminator fight. The winner of the fight faces Adesanya for the title later this year.

Both challengers have a history with the Stylebender. On one hand, Whittaker faced the middleweight champ twice before, and on the other, Dricus Du Plessis has repeatedly called out Adesanya, questioning his African heritage. Recently, Robert Whittaker appeared in a podcast and lashed out at the UFC for its tricky tactics to promote the UFC 293.

Robert Whittaker calls out UFC 293 promotion tactics

During his appearance on the ‘MMArcade Podcast’, Whittaker took the opportunity to address the prevailing headlines and set the record straight. He expressed his frustration with media outlets promoting UFC 293 solely as an Adesanya vs. Whittaker event. Whereas in reality, this fight will only be finalized once Whittaker versus Du Plessis takes place at UFC 290. With this promotion tactic, Whittaker feels like his UFC 290 opponent is being disrespected.

“Let me clarify everything. So every headline out there has put a picture of Israel and myself, UFC 293. Because that’s what makes headlines, especially locally in Australia. But that is such disrespect to the threat level that Dricus brings to the fight.

‘Bobby Knuckles’ understands the “danger” his opponent brings into the fight.

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According to Whittaker, he holds immense respect for Du Plessis and recognizes the danger he brings to the fight. He emphasized his unwavering focus on the fight at hand, refusing to look past Du Plessis despite media speculation.

“He’s a dude that has absolutely nothing to lose. And a man with nothing to lose is a scary individual. I understand this, and I’m training with the utmost respect and the gravity the fight deserves.”

Du Plessis last fought Derek Brunson at UFC 285 and won via a TKO. With a 19-2 pro-MMA record, he will surely he a tough opponent for Whittaker.

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What are your opinions about UFC’s tactics to promote UFC 293? Do you agree with Whittaker? Let us know in the comments below.