UFC 298: Robert Whittaker’s shock loss to Dricus du Plessis was the ‘kick up the arse’ he needed
Robert Whittaker has Paulo Costa on his mind as he prepares for UFC 298, but it’s the sting of his stunning second round defeat to Dricus du Plessis motivating him further.
UFC
Don't miss out on the headlines from UFC. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Robert Whittaker says his stunning second round defeat to Dricus du Plessis was the “kick up the arse” he needed, but denies he has a point to prove against Paulo Costa at UFC 298 this weekend.
Make no mistake though, du Plessis – who is now the middleweight world champion – is on Whittaker’s hit list.
“I want to get back in there with him, as well (as Israel Adesanya),” Whittaker told this masthead. “He’s now joined that list – it’s a two-man list.”
UFC 298: VOLKANOVSKI VS TOPURIA | SUN 18 FEB | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports. Main Event on Kayo Sports and Foxtel is the new exclusive home of Boxing and UFC Pay-Per-View events!
A big favourite going into their UFC 290 fight last July, Whittaker was outgunned by a supremely well-prepared du Plessis.
Seven months on, and the Reaper is philosophical about the result.
“It was a kick up the arse, a wake up call,” he said. “I loosened the grip on the reins with a few things in the game, and it kind’ve woke me up.
“It made me reassess things, look at a few things and tighten them back up.
“You can imagine after a shocking loss like that, we came back to Sydney, sat down and worked on a lot of things, changed things up and just got my mental and physical health all together so I can bring the animal back to camp.”
With 12 years, and 20 UFC fights on his record, the former middleweight champ is one of the longest tenured fighters in the business, but brushes off any talk of retirement following the du Plessis loss.
“Nah, minor setback, that’s all,” he said. “I know I’m the best middleweight in the world, I just need to get in there and show it.
“This is what I love doing, this is how I provide for my family, and that’s a pretty big motivator. My family needs me to do this, because this is how I put food on the table.”
After beating Whittaker, du Plessis scored a split decision win for the middleweight title against Sean Strickland last month.
The result was shrouded in controversy after Strickland claimed his vision was impaired due to a headbutt.
Whittaker though, doesn’t understand what all the drama is about.
“I had Dricus winning,” he said. “It was surprising to me to see so many people arguing the fact, but it is what it is.
“I thought Dricus won the fight – I gave him four rounds, to be honest. I thought he won the last round as well.”
Du Plessis has been linked to a grudge match with Adesanya, but a title fight rematch with Whittaker isn’t so far-fetched.
The South African is a longtime fan of Whittaker’s and says he’d relish fighting his one-time idol again.
“I think Rob definitely has what it takes, he’s an incredible fighter and he has another run in him,” du Plessis told this masthead last month. “If he beats Costa, he needs to work his way back up.
“If he gets two more wins, two big profile wins, he’s right back in there and part of the discussion.
“It would be an honour to share the cage with him again.”
For Whittaker though, it’s all about Costa at UFC 298 in Anaheim this weekend.
The pair have been scheduled to fight twice in the past, with the Brazilian pulling out due to a variety of injuries, illnesses and contractual disputes with the UFC.
None of that adds to Whittaker’s motivation though, with the 33-year-old planning on dishing out a good old fashioned hiding.
“I think other people are making a bigger deal out of it than I am,” Whittaker said of Costa’s notorious record of pulling out of fights.
“I don’t worry about it. I just focus on what I’m good at, and taking the fight to my opponents.
“‘Smash Costa’ that’s all I’m thinking about. I’m going to switch him off.”
Originally published as UFC 298: Robert Whittaker’s shock loss to Dricus du Plessis was the ‘kick up the arse’ he needed
Aussie UFC star’s nervous wait for revenge
Alex Volkanovski is ready to rumble again, but he faces a “tricky” dilemma as he looks to win his UFC belt back on home soil next year.
War of words over claims UFC ‘glorifies violence’
NSW Premier Chris Minns has been forced to defend bringing two UFC events to Sydney that will deliver $30 million to the state after the Opposition criticised the sport.