DDP’s Favorite Fighter Getting ‘Done Dirty’ By UFC

Du Plessis declared Whittaker is his favorite fighter, and laid out a laundry list of reasons why ‘Reaper’ deserves a middleweight title shot.

After defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 305, Dricus Du Plessis is expected to face Sean Strickland for his next title defense. That’s the word from UFC execs on high, and Du Plessis has said he’s not in the business of choosing opponents. But if he were, he’d choose Robert Whittaker.

“Robert Whitaker is one of the biggest legends of the sport, in my opinion,” Du Plessis said in an interview with FOX Sports Australia. “That’s why he’s my favorite fighter. You know, that’s why I’ve always been such a big fan of Robert Whitaker before being in the UFC even. The man has an understanding for the game. He knows. He’s been in those wars.”

“I’m gonna say it: I believe that they’re doing Robert Whittaker a little bit dirty with what he’s done. The Strickland fight, obviously, more people want to see it. I want to fight the best guy. I want to fight the guy people want to see me fight. I want to fight the guy who is clearly the best next guy and … right now that’s Sean Strickland, apparently?”

Du Plessis laid down Whittaker’s accomplishments compared to Strickland.

“Robert Whittaker, especially if he wins over Khamzat [Chimaev], how do you not give the man [a title shot]?” the South African asked. “Strickland beat [Paulo] Costa in a very subpar fight. Whittaker beat Costa in an amazing fight. Then goes to fight Khamzat. Khamzat steps out. Whittaker fights a nobody, Alikserov, a great fighter, just risk, no reward. Does UFC, does everyone a favor, steps up, makes it look easy, shows everyone the level he is at. Then asks for Khamzat again!”

“And even with a win doesn’t get a shot?”

“I’ve said it many times, that’s the fight game,” Du Plessis concluded. “Right now more people want to see Strickland. And I’m in a position where I’m not refusing any fights. I’m going to fight the guy they put in front of me and I’m going to win the belt again.”

Robert Whittaker (hopefully) faces Khamzat Chimaev on October 26th in the co-main event of UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi, UAE. If he wins, he may want to consider staying ready given Sean Strickland’s tenuous ability to stay out of trouble and stay in foreign countries.