Robert Whittaker looks set for another run at the middleweight title in 2023, with a title eliminator bout confirmed against Dricus Du Plessis for UFC 290 in Las Vegas.
Following the recent Israel Adesanya title victory, the pair are set for yet another showdown if Whittaker can get past the rising South African star in July.
After Whittaker lost his strap to ‘The Last Stylebender’ at UFC 243, he went on a three-fight winning streak – beating Darren Till, Jared Cannonier and Kevin Gastelum – to earn another shot at the title.
However, Whittaker lost for the second time against Adesanya, going down via unanimous decision at the beginning of 2022.
Whittaker and Marvin Vettori were then originally scheduled to fight at UFC 275 but the Australian was forced to pull out due to an injury.
When the duo finally did meet in the octagon, Whittaker got back in the win column with a dominant win over the Italian at UFC Fight Night 209 last September.
Is Robert Whittaker going to fight Dricus du Plessis?
Whittaker was set to fight Paulo Costa as the co-main event on the blockbuster card for UFC 284 in Perth earlier this year, however the Brazilian pulled a pin on the February meeting after a contract dispute.
‘Borrachinha’ inked his deal with the UFC five years ago and in three of his last four fights has clashed with fighters ranked in the top-five within the middleweight division.
He claimed he’d never actually signed on to fight Whittaker in the first place and was the victim of the UFC prematurely announcing the fight.
My dude is smart enough 👏 https://t.co/WYlFf8MYZo
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) December 19, 2022
Costa’s absence left Whittaker in limbo, but his next fight has since been confirmed for UFC 290 against Dricus Du Plessis.
"I want a middleweight ranked close to me - maybe du Plessis," he told The Takedown.
"Fighting guys ranked (lower) in the top 10, it’s unmotivating.
"A fight against the top guys is more motivating because they’re all the sharks lurking for that next title shot. And I’m one of them."
When is Robert Whittaker fighting?
Robert Whittaker will take on Dricus Du Plessis in a title eliminator bout at UFC 290 in July.
UFC boss Dana White confirmed the news, while also revealing plans for the winner to take on Israel Adesanya in Sydney in late-2023.
Put another one together last night!!! @robwhittakermma @dricusduplessis #UFC290 pic.twitter.com/bczWzJo4b6
— danawhite (@danawhite) April 21, 2023
How to watch Rob Whittaker vs Dricus Du Plessis in Australia
Robert Whittaker’s next fight will be held in July at UFC 290 against Dricus Du Plessis.
The fight will be shown on Foxtel's Main Event and Kayo Sports.