Dricus feels Whittaker deserves a crack at his title

Julian Kiewietz

Dricus du Plessis did not mince his words when sharing his thoughts on who he felt was next in line for a shot at his middleweight title after overcoming one of the greatest athletes at UFC 305 yesterday.

Du Plessis defended his 185-pound belt yesterday against former two-time champion, Nigerian-born Israel Adesanya who now lives in New Zealand, when he locked in a rear-naked choke in the fourth round of their main event at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) president Dana White has confirmed that former champion Sean Strickland is next in line for another shot at the title after the South African secured a split decision win in their first meeting at UFC 297 and Strickland confirmed that he is up for it after posting a message shortly after Du Plessis’ UFC 305 win: “Time for war, Dutchman ….”

But speaking during his post-fight media conference, Du Plessis felt that Australia’s former champion and number three-ranked middleweight Robert Whittaker should be next in line for a title shot.

“Whittaker deserves a shot for the title. I think he is being done over. Sean Strickland’s only saving grace is the fact that he went to a decision with me, that’s it,” said Du Plessis, who beat Whittaker via TKO at UFC290 last year en route to the title.

After his loss to Du Plessis, Whittaker came back strong with a solid unanimous decision win over Brazil’s elite middleweight and fellow top contender Paulo Costa before dismantling the dangerous wild card fighter, Russia’s Ikram Aliskerov, with a first-round stoppage.

Before Aliskerov, Whittaker was set to face a boogeyman of the welterweight and middleweight division, Khamzat Chimaev before the latter withdrew due to health issues.

With three title fights in 22 UFC fights, Whittaker has consistently been at the top of the division for many years and continues to showcase his ruthless ability, always taking on the best fighters.

“Whittaker beat Costa more spectacularly than Strickland did,” said Du Plessis, referring to Strickland’s one fight after losing the title.

“Then he was willing to fight Khamzat. Then after Khamzat pulls out, the man signs up for a fight with someone who is not ranked, but dangerous, an amazing fighter, in Aliskerov, and makes the Russian look like an amateur. And what does he get for it? Nothing.”

At the RAC Arena yesterday morning, Du Plessis delivered a complete display of mixed martial arts, showcasing his grappling, wrestling, and striking before stopping Adesanya.

After a rather conservative first round, the pace picked up drastically in the second round, which belonged to Du Plessis who utilised his wrestling skills well.

Adesanya led with a jab before Du Plessis slipped and level-changed with a big take-down. Adesanya showed great wrestling defence with a quick wizar before Du Plessis transitioned to Adesanya’s back with a failed rear-naked choke attempt.

Du Plessis aimed to unsettle Adesanya and disrupt his striking rhythm by implementing a wrestling game, shooting five times. Round three saw the Stylebender find his timing and showcase that trademark Adesanya movement, feints and sharpshooting ability, unleashing beautiful strikes.

Du Plessis, known for his awkward nature and volume, kept his hands up and continued pushing forward, but Adesanya’s reads were impeccable, landing body, head and leg shots. Du Plessis managed to land a heavy classic right and overhand left, however, Adesanya shared the spoils of the round with way more significant strikes.

Heading into the championship rounds, Adesanya looked the fresher of the two athletes, however, Du Plessis has deceived many opponents in the past.

Adesanya started putting together some beautiful combos, looking light on his feet, but a big left hand from Du Plessis followed up with a double jab and right hook eventually became Adesanya’s kryptonite as he went down before Du Plessis locked in a tight rear-naked choke.