Dricus Du Plessis Stops Robert Whittaker at UFC 290

Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker continued his quest to try and get a third title fight against champion Israel Adesanya when he faced Dricus du Plessis on the UFC 290 main card in a title eliminator bout.

Du Plessis was the visibly larger fighter.  Whittaker circled on the outside landing leg kicks.  Whittaker looked to counter strike before changing levels and taking du Plessis down.  Du Plessis used the fence to get to his feet and went on the offense.  He connected with a combination.  The opening round was very active.  They clinched and de Plessis took Whittaker down.    

Whittaker was cut by an elbow.  He postured up and bloodied Whittaker more in the final seconds.  Was a big way to finish the round for du Plessis.  

Whittaker came out aggressive in the second frame.  He stepped in with a combination.  Du Plessis pressed forward.  He dropped Whittaker with a stiff jab.  Whittaker when to a knee.  The referee stopped.  Du Plessis stopped Whittaker!  The official end came at 2:23 of the second round