After defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis is anticipated to face Sean Strickland for his subsequent title protection. That’s the phrase from UFC execs on excessive, and Du Plessis has mentioned he’s not within the enterprise of selecting opponents. But when he had been, he’d select Robert Whittaker.
“Robert Whitaker is without doubt one of the greatest legends of the game, for my part,” Du Plessis mentioned in an interview with FOX Sports activities Australia. “That’s why he’s my favourite fighter. You realize, that’s why I’ve at all times been such an enormous fan of Robert Whitaker earlier than being within the UFC even. The person has an understanding for the sport. He is aware of. He’s been in these wars.”
“I’m gonna say it: I imagine that they’re doing Robert Whittaker just a little bit soiled with what he’s completed. The Strickland battle, clearly, extra individuals wish to see it. I wish to battle the very best man. I wish to battle the man individuals wish to see me battle. I wish to battle the man who’s clearly the very best subsequent man and … proper now that’s Sean Strickland, apparently?”
Du Plessis laid down Whittaker’s accomplishments in comparison with Strickland.
“Robert Whittaker, particularly if he wins over Khamzat [Chimaev], how do you not give the person [a title shot]?” the South African requested. “Strickland beat [Paulo] Costa in a really subpar battle. Whittaker beat Costa in an incredible battle. Then goes to battle Khamzat. Khamzat steps out. Whittaker fights a no person, Alikserov, an important fighter, simply threat, no reward. Does UFC, does everybody a favor, steps up, makes it look straightforward, exhibits everybody the extent he’s at. Then asks for Khamzat once more!”
“And even with a win doesn’t get a shot?”
“I’ve mentioned it many instances, that’s the battle sport,” Du Plessis concluded. “Proper now extra individuals wish to see Strickland. And I’m able the place I’m not refusing any fights. I’m going to battle the man they put in entrance of me and I’m going to win the belt once more.”
Robert Whittaker (hopefully) faces Khamzat Chimaev on October twenty sixth within the co-main occasion of UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. If he wins, he could wish to contemplate staying prepared given Sean Strickland’s tenuous capability to remain out of bother and keep in overseas international locations.
