UFC 290: Rob Whittaker vs Dricus du Plessis, how to watch

Aussie UFC star Rob Whittaker can set the scene for revenge on his greatest rival at UFC 290 — but he knows underdog Dricus du Plessis will pose a bigger threat than most are expecting.

Brendan Bradford

@1bbradfo

3 min read

June 24, 2023 - 12:00PM

Rob Whittaker is expecting a tough fight against Dricus du Plessis. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Rob Whittaker says his number one goal is to avenge his two losses to Israel Adesanya, and has given himself four more years in the UFC before making a call on retirement.

Despite a decade at the pinnacle of one of the toughest sports in the world, Whittaker – who is deep in preparation to fight rising South African star Dricus du Plessis at UFC 290 – feels he’s in prime physical and mental condition.

A win over du Plessis will likely set-up a third fight with Adesanya, who has beaten him twice in the two title fights they’ve fought so far.

But Whittaker also knows the 19-2 du Plessis poses a huge threat — despite what the bookies and most experts are saying.

“This is one of the more dangerous fights I’ve fought in years – if ever,” he says of du Plessis.

“He holds the biggest threat to me at the moment because he has nothing to lose.

“He’s hungry, young, tough, resilient and everyone thinks he’s going to be a wash, and that makes him dangerous.”

Rob Whittaker is targeting a third bout against Israel Adesenya. Picture: Sam Ruttyn.

A loss to the 29-year-old would virtually extinguish his goal of a third encounter with Adesanya – which could take place at UFC 293 in Sydney on September 10.

“It’s something I want to do, it’s something I’m aiming for — it’s an objective,” Whittaker said of fighting Adesanya again. “I want to take those losses back.

“He’s the only guy I’ve lost to in the middleweight division, and I want them back.

“That’s my greatest objective career-wise.”

Injuries and illness permitting, another four years in the sport gives Whittaker anywhere between four and 10 more fights in the UFC.

The 32-year-old seriously contemplated retirement after his first defeat to Adesanya, but says he has a new-found approach to fighting and is still learning and adapting.

“I’m going to reassess things at 36, so four years,” he said. “It’s still a decent chunk. I feel like I’m in my prime years and I’m in the best form to make the most of everything.

“At 36, I’ll reassess how my drive is and how my body’s holding up. Then it’ll be time to get a gauge on what’s going on.”

Dricus Du Plessis is rated as a huge threat to Rob Whittaker.

Having fought a murderer’s row of middleweights on his rise to becoming Australia’s first UFC champion, Whittaker gave a rare glimpse into how his motivations have evolved since dropping the belt to Adesanya in 2019.

While his rise was characterised by a near desperate scrap to become world champion, Whittaker is now motivated by more personal reasons.

“I don’t think I would be fighting if I didn’t have my family – they’re my reason for fighting,” he said. “Everyone needs a reason. There’s no point fighting for nothing, that’s not how it should be done.

“When I go into the Octagon, I’m not expecting to see tomorrow. I go in there to leave it all there and I can only do that with the drive that I have.

“But your drive changes over time. I’m not the guy I was when I was 20 compared to now in my 30s. I’ve got a bunch of kids, a family and you have to adapt and change with the flow – with life.

“Otherwise, you won’t just stagnate, but the mould won’t fit anymore.

“Having kids has given me the perfect drive, the endless drive of wanting to do more for them.”

It’s that kind of mindset Whittaker is tapping into ahead of his must-win showdown with du Plessis in two weeks.

“I’ve put myself through hell in this camp. I’ve been through wars,” he said. “I’ve done everything I can.