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ROBERT WHITTAKER VS DRICUS DU PLESSIS FACTS
When is UFC 290? Sunday 9th July, 2023 - 01:00 (UK)
Where is UFC 290? T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC 290? Click here to buy tickets for UFC 290
What channel is UFC 290 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC 290? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
ROBERT WHITTAKER VS DRICUS DU PLESSIS LOWDOWN
It was great to see Robert Whittaker (24-6) fight twice last year. Although he lost his rematch with Israel Adesanya at the start of 2022, he gave a much better account of himself than the first meeting. After that knockout he strung together three classy unanimous decisions over Darren Till (2020), Jared Cannonier (2020) and Kelvin Gastelum (2021) before meeting the champion again. He returned in September to take on Marvin Vettori in Paris and illustrated his class once again in a decision.
Now, he meets Dricus du Plessis (19-2) who is gunning for a shot at the champion. He is blazing into his prime after winning all five of his UFC bouts extending his streak to seven. He knocked out Markus Perez (2020) and Trevin Giles (2021) before going to his first decision with Brad Tavares (2022). He then submitted Darren Till (2022) and TKO’d Derek Brunson (2023 to stamp his name on the middleweight map.
ROBERT WHITTAKER VS DRICUS DU PLESSIS PREDICTION
Du Plessis stepped up against tougher competition in Till and Brunson. However, Whittaker is a different beast. He does not have any holes in his game whereas the South African does.
It is not surprising considering he is still in his twenties and approaching his prime. He is a very dangerous striker and is a strong grappler. However, his defence is suspect and Whittaker is an elite striker who can expose him.
If Du Plessis decides to mix in grappling, Whittaker has the takedown defence to swat him away. Three rounds suits Du Plessis, but on paper, Whittaker is simply better everywhere and we expect him to cripple the legs and find the chin.
Du Plessis is durable enough to take this to the bell, but we can see the Aussie knocking him out and it could just come via his trademarked 1-2, head kick combination.
Prediction: Whittaker via KO/TKO