SUMMARY
- Robert Whittaker was reviewing the main event of UFC 297 where Dricus du Plessis won the Middleweight Championship against Sean Strickland via split decision.
- While reviewing the fight on his MMArcade podcast, Whittaker had a few words for Strickland.
Robert Whittaker, aka ‘The Reaper’, is an Australian professional mixed martial artist who is originally from New Zealand. He is presently active in the UFC’s middleweight division and has previously held the UFC title. The #3-ranked middleweight is coming off a loss against the newly crowned Middleweight Champion, Dricus du Plessis.
Recently, Robert Whittaker was reviewing the main event of UFC 297, where Dricus du Plessis clinched the middleweight championship from Sean Strickland via split decision. While reviewing the fight on his MMArcade Podcast (Episode 31), which aired on January 23, 2024, Whittaker had a few words for Strickland.
Robert Whittaker said, “I think he(Sean) struggled to get his feet under him”. He then praised the champ, saying, “Dricus is such an awkward guy, The fact that he was switching his stance time to time, pushing the pace time to time…He was giving Strickland lot of looks, he was using his legs, going for takedowns, throwing overhands”.
Whittaker further added from his own experience against Dricus, saying, “As someone who’s fought Dricus, he’s awkward to fight in there…He’s awkward so it’s hard to find your own footing”. Following on, Whittaker talked about Strickland’s strong points. He said, “I think Strickland is very well when he’s kinda dictating what’s going on when he’s pressuring you, peppering you with the jab”.
Robert Whittaker then said what he liked the most about the way Dricus fought against Strickland. He concluded, “He(Sean) was getting pushed the entire fight…Dricus was just moving forward mate, He(Dricus) was just relentless”. Whittaker seems to agree wholeheartedly about who won the fight, unlike a majority of netizens who feel as if Sean won the match.
Robert Whittaker puzzled by controversy over Dricus du Plessis’ UFC 297 title win
Former Middleweight Champion Robert Whittaker has expressed his confusion regarding the controversy surrounding Dricus du Plessis’ split decision victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 297. Despite widespread skepticism, including comments from UFC President Dana White, Whittaker stands by his belief that Du Plessis deserved the win.
Dana White believes Sean Strickland beat Dricus du Plessis 👀🤔 pic.twitter.com/qiseFJDLLv
— Happy Punch (@HappyPunch) January 21, 2024
On the MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker shared his perspective on the contentious decision, stating, “I don’t know why it’s controversial. I’ve seen a lot of other fighters and Dana White himself saying he didn’t think he (Dricus) won the fight, but my opinion, I thought he won the fight”.
Acknowledging the criticism of the decision, Whittaker extended congratulations to Du Plessis. “He’s a big, strong guy, and he’s awkward as hell to fight, but one of his things is he goes out on his shield. He’s not going to give up, and he’ll leave the octagon on a stretcher, and that’s exactly what he showed. I will say congratulations to the new champ because he wanted it more,” Whittaker remarked.
Reflecting on his own experience with Du Plessis, Whittaker acknowledged the tenacity of the new champion. He stated that Dricus did not relent, and observers could see the determination on his face after the fight.
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Robert Whittaker gave credit to Dricus du Plessis for not backing down, continuously throwing overhands from the beginning to the literal finish, and consistently pushing into his opponent. According to Whittaker, he believed that du Plessis won the fight.
Despite the controversy and differing opinions within the MMA community, Whittaker’s perspective aligns with his admiration for du Plessis’ fighting spirit and dedication to the victory at UFC 297.
Robert Whittaker admits he didn’t ‘prepare adequately’ for his last fight
In a surprising turn of events at UFC 290, Dricus du Plessis left the world in awe by securing a victory over Robert Whittaker. The South African fighter’s performance, particularly against Whittaker and more recently against Strickland in his Middleweight title win, showcased a newfound refinement that was previously criticized for its lack of finesse.
Robert Whittaker says he did not prepare adequately for Dricus Du Plessis, and he won’t make that mistake again.
He also believes that Dricus did beat Sean Strickland and he wants his rematch against DDP soon 👀🍿
🎥 @MMArcadePodcast pic.twitter.com/FHuU5lUQrH
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) January 23, 2024
Whittaker, reflecting on his loss to Du Plessis, openly admitted to underestimating his opponent leading up to the bout. The former Middleweight Champion acknowledged his oversight during the latest episode of the MMArcade Podcast, expressing his realization that he had not adequately prepared for the formidable South African fighter.
“Dricus is on a list of people I want to rematch, but seeing that fight from him made me realize that I did not prepare adequately for him. I did not give him the respect he deserves. I understood he was a hard and tough fighter, but I don’t think I understood how tough and strong and hungry he really was, and respect to that.” Robert admitted. He then concluded, “I won’t make that mistake again”.