In preparation for headlining UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, Robert Whittaker seeks to return to winning ways to continue his dreams of capturing the middleweight title (up to 83,9kg). Considered the favorite by bookmakers, he faces Reiner De Ridder in a crucial fight in the division.
Determined to win and get closer to the throne, the Australian shows he has his sights set on the title fight taking place on August 16th: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Having been defeated by both fighters, the veteran, who speaks with authority, didn't hesitate to go against the betting odds and point to the current champion as the favorite.
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“Honestly, I have to say Dricus would be the favorite. I think I’m leaning towards Dricus. The whole thing can be summed up as: Chimaev will take him down. Will he finish him before he gets up? That’s the million-dollar question because if he doesn’t finish him on the ground, I think he loses,” Whittaker said during an interview with FOX Sports Australia.
Undefeated in his career, the 'Wolf' is coming off a resounding victory over Whittaker, where he submitted the Australian in just a few minutes in the first round. After a radical change in his career, in which he began training in locations close to mountains and with new team members, the Emirati promises to reign in the division after eventually becoming champion.
Heading into his third title defense, Du Plessis remains undefeated in the UFC and has nine wins, six of which have come via the fast track. Scheduled to face Chimaev, the athlete returns to the octagon on August 16, at UFC 319.
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