In lower than two months’ time, reigning UFC Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya may have the primary challenger of his second title reign determined.
UFC 290 in Las Vegas this July would be the setting for the following 185-pound title eliminator, with former divisional kingpin Robert Whittaker trying to safe a 3rd dance within the Octagon reverse “The Final Stylebender.”
To take action, he’ll need to stall the surge of Dricus Du Plessis, who’s amassed an ideal 5-0 report since arriving on blended martial arts’ greatest stage in 2020.
Regardless of Whittaker’s place within the division, some have claimed that “Stillknocks” ought to have been inserted straight into the following title bout owing to his blossoming feud with Adesanya and the Australian’s previous losses to the champ.
And in keeping with one of many Nigerian-New Zealander’s teammates, Du Plessis made a mistake by accepting a conflict with “The Reaper.”
Hooker Insists Du Plessis Did not Want Whittaker To Get A Title Shot
Throughout a current look on Submission Radio, light-weight veteran Dan Hooker gave his tackle one of the vital notable pairings set for motion on the UFC 290 pay-per-view occasion, which can even see him face Jalin Turner on the primary card.
In response to “The Hangman,” Du Plessis was in a chief place to safe a title shot with out competing towards one other contender. And may that not have been a chance, the New Zealander believes the South African ought to have known as for a “extra winnable” conflict towards a middleweight like Sean Strickland.
“I do not suppose Dricus needed to beat Rob. I really feel like he performed that just a little bit (unsuitable). Dricus most likely may have gotten the title shot off of not combating anybody. Who’s the following logical subsequent step?” Hooker stated. “I am not saying he is received no likelihood of beating Rob. I am simply saying it is the hardest battle within the division, and he did not must take that danger.
“I really feel like he may have beat Sean Strickland and he would have gotten a title shot. If I needed to battle Sean Strickland or Rob Whittaker, I’d battle Sean Strickland. It is a greater stylistic matchup for him and it is a way more winnable battle,” Hooker continued. “I simply really feel like he performed that just a little unsuitable.”
However, it’s Whittaker whom Du Plessis will stand throughout from on July 8, and it’s Whittaker whom he might want to beat with a view to e-book his place reverse Adesanya in Sydney later this 12 months.
So that you say I haven’t earned my title shot but?Maintain my beer watch this..#preparetobeamazed🇿🇦#ufc290 pic.twitter.com/CKIzgoEoEv
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) April 22, 2023
Learn Additionally: Brendan Allen Units Sights On ‘Beating The Sh*t’ Out Of ‘Luckiest Fighter’ Dricus Du Plessis At The Finish Of 2023
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