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In the main event of Saturday's Las Vegas programme, Du Plessis will compete against Robert Whittaker in a title eliminator.
Even though the fight's booking was somewhat unexpected, the South African was okay with accepting it since he wanted to prove himself worthy of a title opportunity by defeating the best.
Dricus Du Plessis also believes the UFC believes he will win, therefore he is ready to show them right.
Although defeating Robert Whittaker is easier said than done, Dricus Du Plessis is full of confidence heading into UFC 290.
Du Plessis recently underwent nose surgery, allowing him to finally breathe normally during his fights. In light of this, Dricus Du Plessis anticipates a dogfight and is convinced that he will not only defeat Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, but also put him away.
Dricus Du Plessis would be the next in line for the title shot if Robert Whittaker were to be defeated at UFC 290 as he claims. The South African is okay with the fight taking place in September, despite the short turnaround.
“I think I could have gotten the title fight, to be honest with you. I almost believe the title fight was imminent if the Whittaker fight didn’t happen they would’ve given me the title shot anyway,” Du Plessis. “I’m not looking to earn my title shot off of hype, or anything other than the fact that I deserve to be there because I am the best and beat the best.“
“He is a gatekeeper that just won’t let anybody through. That is why it is so interesting they gave me that fight,” Du Plessis continued. “The UFC believes they are in a position where I am the new star, if I get past Whittaker, I am the only other person outside the champion to do that. That’s what I’m going out there to do that, I’m going out there to prove them right.”