Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker expresses confidence in his ability to reclaim victory in a potential rematch against Dricus Du Plessis. The two fighters clashed in Las Vegas last July, with the South African securing a second-round TKO win over the New Zealand-born Australian.
Du Plessis went on to earn a title shot against Sean Strickland at UFC 297, ultimately winning the UFC middleweight belt through a hard-fought split decision. Currently gearing up for a bout against Paulo Costa at UFC 298, Whittaker has his sights set on a rematch with Du Plessis.
Acknowledging Du Plessis’ hunger and strength, Whittaker admitted to underestimating these factors in their previous encounter.
Despite the loss, Whittaker firmly believes that he is the superior fighter with a more advanced skill set. Expressing his desire for a rematch, Whittaker emphasized his conviction that in nine out of ten scenarios, he would emerge victorious against Du Plessis.
Reflecting on his previous performance, Whittaker acknowledged his failure to match Du Plessis’ intensity. He sees the upcoming rematch as an opportunity to correct those shortcomings and anticipates a different outcome when they meet again.
Before the defeat to Du Plessis, Whittaker secured a unanimous decision win over Marvin Vettori. With a record of 4-3 in his last seven Octagon appearances, including two losses to Israel Adesanya, Whittaker aims to prove his dominance in the potential rematch with Du Plessis. The question remains open: Can Robert Whittaker emerge victorious in a future rematch against Dricus Du Plessis?