Former UFC Undisputed Middleweight Champion, and #2 ranked contender, Robert Whitaker is set to return to the Octagon at UFC 290 on July 8 during International Fight Week – with South African challenger, Dricos du Plessis at the flagship event in Las Vegas , Nevada.
Whitaker, who most recently co-headlined UFC Fight Night Paris back in September last year, defeated one-time title challenger, Marvin Vettori in a one-sided unanimous decision victory in the promotion’s debut in France.
As for du Plessis, the #6 ranked contender continued his perfect promotional run under the regulation banner at UFC 285 back in March, securing a second-round TKO victory over veteran contender, Derrick Bronson.
Robert Whitaker or Dricos du Plessis will fight Israel Adesanya later this year
UFC President, Dana White He confirmed the return of Robert Whitaker in his Elimination match against Dricos du Plessis on his official social media — with the victor expected to fight champ, Israel Adesanya at a pay-per-view event targeting Sydney, Australia later this year.
Twice sharing octagon With new champion Adesanya through his professional career, former undisputed champion Robert Whitaker suffered second-round KO losses to Nigerians and Kiwis in a title unification bout in 2019.
And in February of last year, the fan-favorite Technician forced Adesanya the distance over the course of five rounds in a championship rematch, losing a unanimous decision to City Kickboxing staple.
After finding himself on the receiving end of some social media fling from Adesanya earlier today, du Plessis has campaigned tirelessly for a title tilt against his first since regaining the middleweight title from Alex Pereira at UFC 287 earlier this month. , but apparently to no avail.
Former KSW champion du Plessis has reclaimed victories in the UFC over the likes of Brad Tavares, former welterweight contender and promotional alum Darren Till.