Robert Whittaker vs Dricus Du Plessis live stream for UFC 290

The highly anticipated UFC 290 event is just around the corner, and fight fans from around the world are eagerly awaiting the middleweight showdown between former champion Robert Whittaker and rising star Dricus Du Plessis. This thrilling matchup promises to be an exhilarating clash of styles, as two formidable fighters step into the Octagon to prove their mettle and stake their claim in the division. Let’s delve into the backgrounds of these exceptional athletes and explore what we can expect from their epic encounter.

Prior to Brandon Moreno (flyweight) and Alex Volkanovski (featherweight) putting their titles on the line in the co-main and main event, there is a middleweight bout on the main card that I will be watching. Robert Whittaker and Dricus Du Plessis, two middleweight contenders ranked among the division’s top five, will square off in this bout. 

Date: Saturday, July 8, 2023

Time: 8:00 P.M. ET

Location: T-Mobile Arena | Las Vegas, Nevada

TV Channel: UFC Fight Pass, ESPN & ESPN+

Watch from Canada: FitePass OTT

Robert Whittaker: The Battle-Tested Veteran

Robert Whittaker, hailing from Australia, is no stranger to the spotlight and has cemented his status as one of the most accomplished middleweights in the UFC. The former champion possesses a well-rounded skill set, combining crisp striking, dynamic footwork, and a versatile ground game. Whittaker’s impressive resume includes victories over elite fighters such as Yoel Romero, Jacare Souza, and Darren Till. After losing his title to Israel Adesanya, Whittaker has been on a quest to earn another shot at the belt, and a win against Du Plessis would undoubtedly propel him closer to that goal.

Dricus Du Plessis: The South African Phenom

Dricus Du Plessis burst onto the UFC scene with a bang, showcasing his immense talent and earning a reputation as an exciting finisher. Hailing from South Africa, Du Plessis is a well-rounded fighter with a penchant for explosive knockouts and slick submissions. With a background in multiple martial arts disciplines, including judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Du Plessis has the tools to challenge any opponent. Having amassed an impressive record in regional promotions, he made a successful UFC debut with a highlight-reel knockout of Markus Perez. Du Plessis aims to use the matchup against Whittaker as a platform to announce his arrival as a genuine title contender.

UFC 290 Live: Don’t miss a single second of EPIC face-punching action!

UFC 290 fight card, odds

• Alexander Volkanovski (c) -370 vs. Yair Rodriguez (ic) +290, featherweight title
• Brandon Moreno (c) -205 vs. Alexandre Pantoja +170, flyweight championship
• Robert Whittaker -360 vs. Dricus du Plessis +280, middleweights
• Jalin Turner -280 vs. Dan Hooker +230, lightweights
• Bo Nickal -2500 vs. Valentine Woodburn +1100, middleweights
• Niko Price -225 vs. Robbie Lawler +185, welterweights
• Yazmin Jauregui -380 vs. Denise Gomes +300, women’s strawweights
• Jimmy Crute -140 vs. Alonzo Menifield +120, light heavyweights
• Tatsuro Taira -1000 vs. Edgar Chairez +650, flyweights
• Vitor Petrino -240 vs. Marcin Prachino +200, light heavyweights
• Cameron Saaiman -600 vs. Christian Rodriguez +430, bantamweights
• Jesus Aguilar -140 vs. Shannon Ross +120, flyweights
• Esteban Ribovics -150 vs, Kamuela Kirk +125, lightweights

The Clash of Styles:

Whittaker’s technical striking prowess and ability to mix up his attacks will pose a significant challenge for Du Plessis. Known for his precision and power, Whittaker can seamlessly transition from crisp boxing combinations to devastating kicks. His footwork and head movement are exceptional, making it difficult for opponents to find their range and mount effective attacks.

On the other hand, Du Plessis will be looking to showcase his explosive knockout power. He possesses a heavy right hand and is always a threat to finish the fight in an instant. Additionally, his submission skills could play a crucial role if the fight hits the ground, as Du Plessis is well-versed in various grappling techniques.

UFC 290 Prediction: Robert Whittaker vs Dricus Du Plessis

Predicting the outcome of such a high-stakes fight is a daunting task. Both fighters possess unique skills and the ability to finish their opponents in spectacular fashion. Whittaker’s experience and championship pedigree make him the favorite heading into the matchup, but Du Plessis has proven time and again that he cannot be underestimated.

It is likely that we will witness a back-and-forth battle, with Whittaker’s technicality and ring craft clashing against Du Plessis’ explosiveness and power. Ultimately, Whittaker’s championship experience and well-rounded skill set could give him the edge, potentially leading to a hard-fought victory.

The Bottom Line:

The Robert Whittaker vs Dricus Du Plessis fight at UFC 290 promises to be an enthralling encounter that will have fans on the edge of their seats. Both fighters bring a unique set of skills and a hunger for victory. Whether Whittaker’s experience and technicality prevail or Du Plessis’ explosive power and hunger for success prove too much, this matchup is destined to deliver excitement and showcase the best of what the middleweight division has to offer. Read More