Robert Whittaker disappointed with performance at UFC 290
Robert Whittaker is not thrilled with his performance at UFC 290. A win would have awarded the former champion the opportunity to fight middleweight champion Israel Adesanya for a third time. Instead, Dricus Du Plessis spoiled Whittaker’s plans as he knocked out the Australian in the second round.
Whittaker discussed his UFC 290 performance against Du Plessis on his podcast, “MMArcade Podcast.” All quotes via TheScore.
“I went out there with the intention of putting my best foot forward and giving the best performance of my career, and ended up giving the worst performance of my career,” Whittaker said on his MMArcade Podcast. “That’s the hardest part about the loss–I know I can do better.”
Prior to UFC 290, Whittaker had never lost to a middleweight that was not named Israel Adesanya. At the same time, he had victories over respected opponents, such as Jared Cannonier, Marvin Vettori and Kelvin Gastelum. For the most part, in each fight, Whittaker would establish himself as the best middleweight on the planet outside of Adesanya.
Whittaker’s loss to Du Plessis will greatly damage his stock in the middleweight division. The former champion is no longer head and shoulders above the rest of the division. That mystique is gone and Whittaker is left sitting amongst the remainder of the middleweight contenders. Furthermore, his road to another title fight was extended.
The real question that is left for Whittaker is, what’s next? There are no real obviously next steps for his career; however, he believes he can use his disappointment from UFC 290 as motivation.
“I do believe that this was the kick in the ass I needed to really take me to that next level,” Whittaker said. “It helped me align a few of my goals–goals of titles and winning and beating Izzy and now Dricus. I want to finish my career never losing again.”
Whittaker did go on to mention that he wants to remain active. At the moment, he hopes to return around November. Thankfully, that aligns with UFC 295. The card will take place at Madison Square Garden with a main event between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. I imagine UFC fans would love to see Whittaker on the main card of that event. Plus, a win could help push the bad memories from UFC 290 out of mind.
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