Robert Whittaker suffers TKO loss at UFC 290 | Fight News Australia

Robert Whittaker has suffered a TKO loss to Dricus Du Plessis in their middleweight fight at UFC 290 in Las Vegas.

The first round was fought mainly on the feet, with Whittaker slipping and countering Du Plessis’ strikes, landing a double leg on the South African. As the round ended, Du Plessis landed a takedown of his own and remained on top of Whittaker, landing strikes which opened a cut on Whittaker at the end of the round.

Du Plessis landed a stiff counter cross in the second round, rocking Whittaker, before pushing the pace on the Aussie, finishing him with strikes against the cage, extending his winning streak to eight.

After the fight, Du Plessis called for UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya.

‘I told you I have cardio for days. You guys have t-minus 24 hours to delete a whole lot of comments because I’m coming for that title.’

Du Plessis was very complimentary of Whittaker after the fight, referencing him as one of his heroes he had as an up-and-coming fighter.

‘This is truly the biggest honour to share the cage with him.’

‘Robert, he’s a gentleman, he’s a humble man and he’s truly a legend of this sport.’

Adesanya and Du Plessis had a face off in the cage after the South African’s victory, having a heated exchange of words.

This bout was slated as a number one contender’s match, with the winner expected to face Adesanya at UFC 293 in Sydney in September.

Joel Rasmussen

MMA journalist from the southeast of Melbourne, Australia. I endeavour to help grow the popularity of Mixed Martial Arts in Australia through my analysis of fights, interviews, and recollection of the sport's history. Along with covering the sport, I train in striking and grappling as a way to deepen my understanding and appreciation of the sport I love.