Robert Whittaker believes that Dricus Du Plessis deserves the next title shot.
Du Plessis (20-2 MMA, 6-0 UFC) solidified his position as the No. 1 contender after defeating Whittaker by Round 2 TKO at UFC 290. However, when he couldn’t make a quick turnaround for UFC 293, Sean Strickland was given the title shot against then-champion Israel Adesanya, leading to Strickland upsetting Adesanya and claiming the belt.
Despite this, Du Plessis was once again overlooked. The UFC decided to name Khamzat Chimaev vs. Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 as a No. 1 contender fight. Fortunately, after Chimaev suffered a hand injury, Du Plessis finally landed his title shot against Strickland (28-5 MMA, 15-5 UFC) as the UFC 297 headliner on Jan. 20 in Toronto.
Whittaker (25-7 MMA, 15-5 UFC) expressed how recent title fights in the middleweight division were largely influenced by timing.
“The division, especially the top five, and the stakes that we play at, is just rife with opportunity, and Sean is a perfect example of being ready and in the right place at the right time, and obviously having the skills to back it up,” Whittaker said.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 297.
Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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