Robert Whittaker vs Dricus Du Plessis UFC 290 Paradise Las Vegas Fight Video Full HD Free Stream Replay Part A

Similar to how Max Holloway created his own tier at featherweight just below Alexander Volkanovski, Robert Whittaker has separated himself from the rest of the middleweight division, with the exception of champion Israel Adesanya.

Dricus du Plessis, a rising contender with an aggressive pressure fighter and well-rounded skillset, may find Whittaker's patient demeanor challenging to test. Du Plessis is more physical, hits harder, and may have more finishing potential in this matchup than Whittaker, who is a much more technical fighter.

Whittaker, a former welterweight competitor, ought to be the quicker man. Du Plessis, however, is larger( one inch taller, three inch reach advantage) and a skilled wrestler and grappler enough to compel Whittaker to continue the fight.

Although both fighters appear to be tough, given the circumstances of their careers, I would probably give du Plessis the advantage in toughness. The question is to what extent Whittaker has better cardio.

Du Plessis typically begins to breathe heavily in the middle of a fight, but he rarely slows down and keeps his foot on the gas pedal throughout the entire fight. Du Plessis also recently had sinus surgery to correct that breathing problem, which may have improved his overall gas tank and fighting effectiveness over the course of the battle.

Before leaving those exchanges, Whittaker must play matador against the South African and use his speed and footwork to avoid Dricus' explosive attacks. He must also land counters. Whittaker is a better fighter, but du Plessis' physical prowess and strength can close the skill gap. This fight should be closer than the odds suggest if Whittaker is unable to wrestle effectively.