Robert Whittaker talks about his upcoming match with Paulo Costa at UFC 298
Robert Whittaker predicts Du Plessis and Adesanya’s upcoming potential matchup and talks about Paulo Costa fight.
In the aftermath of his hard-fought split decision victory over Sean Strickland in the main event of UFC 297 last Saturday, middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has already set his sights on the next challenge. After his victory, calling him out.
The South African fighter is eyeing a potential title defense against Israel Adesanya at UFC 300, which has gained attention in the MMA community. Adding to the interest, Whittaker has expressed his belief that Du Plessis holds the edge over Adesanya if the much-anticipated matchup materialises.
Du Plessis vs Strickland
Initially scheduled to face off at UFC 293 in Sydney, the showdown between Dricus du Plessis and Israel Adesanya was set in motion after Adesanya confronted Du Plessis in the cage immediately following DDP’s victory over Rob Whittaker.
The intense confrontation sparked anticipation among fans, creating significant buzz for what promised to be a highly anticipated matchup. Unfortunately, Du Plessis was forced to withdraw from the bout due to injury, leaving the fight unrealized.
Now that the matchup is in talks again for UFC 300 and Whittaker has a history with both Adesanya and Du Plessis has given his opinion on the bout and Du Plessis’s recent victory:
“As someone who has fought Dricus, I understand how awkward he is to fight,” Whittaker said. “Everyone who saw the fight can say how awkward he looks. Dude, he was throwing overhands from the first bell to the last bell, and he was throwing combos off of them! [Laughs.] I’ve never seen someone combo a left overhand into a right overhand! The guy is awkward, switching stances the whole fight, pushing forward, tough as nails, taking shots the entire time to land shots. You’ve got to give it to him.
“Now, gun to my head, I thought Sean might be able to get away with a decision win, keep him at the end of his jab, pepper away for five rounds. I thought that would be the safest bet, but I never ruled out Dricus because of how awkward he is, because of how tough and strong he is, because of how hungry he is for that title.
“He’s definitely got a skill set. And his style, as awkward as it may be, it works. That’s his style. His style is awkward, big, and strong. His fights aren’t the prettiest fights, but they get it done. And that’s a big reason why I love MMA so much … because there’s so many ways to climb the mountain, and he’s just an example of it.”
Whittaker vs Costa
“Much the same Paulo we’ve always seen,”
“He’s gonna be a power puncher, he’s a powerful kicker, he’s strong, he’s big, he’s tough. I expect the best version of himself. I’m not making any mistakes in underestimating opponents ever again. So, I’m preparing for an absolute dog fight.”
Whittaker said in a recent interview.
Robert Whittaker’s perspective on the potential outcomes in the middleweight division reflects a strategic mindset as he prepares to face Paulo Costa at UFC 298.
As Robert Whittaker shares his thoughts on both Dricus du Plessis’ recent victory and his preparations for UFC 298, the complex web of storylines in the middleweight division continues to evolve, setting the stage for an exciting period in MMA.
(Quotes By MMA Fighting)
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