Former middleweight champion Whittaker says he sees no controversy in Du Plessis' victory at UFC 297

D. Plessis in UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Former UFC middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg), Robert whittaker said he didn't see any controversy in the duel that defined the new owner of the category belt. In an interview with the 'MMA Arcade' podcast, the New Zealander said that he also scored a victory for Dricus Du Plessis No. UFC 297, which took place last Saturday (20), and showed a lot of respect for the South African fighter.

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“I don’t know why it’s controversial. I've seen other fighters and even Dana White himself saying he didn't think Du Plessis had won the fight. In my opinion, I thought he won the fight. I don't like to give too many guesses, but I'll congratulate Dricus because he wanted more. I said he’s a big, strong guy and has a weird way of fighting,” Whittaker said.

Surprisingly, the former middleweight champion showed humility and acknowledged that he did not give the South African due respect when they faced each other in the UFC 290, in July 2023.

“Seeing Dricus's fight made me realize that I didn't prepare adequately for him. I didn't give him the respect he deserved. I understand he's a tough fighter, but I guess I didn't understand how tough and strong and hungry he really was and I recognize that. I won’t make that mistake again”, concluded the former champion.

Coming off a defeat to Du Plessis himself, Whittaker will have a tough challenge in his next engagement in the octagon. The New Zealander will face the Brazilian Paulo borrachinha No. UFC 298, which takes place on February 17th.