Dricus du Plessis hails Robert Whittaker as his "favorite fighter," says he has "understanding for the game"

Dricus du Plessis recently heaped praise on Robert Whittaker and made it known that he holds him in high regard. The South African expressed his gratitude for the former middleweight champion's comments and noted what he took away from fighting him.

'Stillknocks' fought 'Bobby Knuckles' at UFC 290 last July, which was a significant moment in his MMA career. Du Plessis earned an impressive second-round TKO over Whittaker, which earned him a middleweight title shot against then champion Israel Adesanya. Despite an unfortunate injury that forced him to decline the title shot, he eventually earned his title shot at UFC 297 this past January, because of how impressive his win over the Australian was.

While speaking to FOX Sports Australia, the reigning middleweight champion hailed 'Bobby Knuckles' as his favorite fighter after hearing his recent comments about fighting him. Du Plessis mentioned that Whittaker is a true legend of MMA and heaped praise on his understanding of the sport. He said:

"That's why Robert Whittaker is one of the biggest legends of the sport in my opinion. That's why he's my favorite fighter, that's why I've always been such a big fan of Robert Whittaker before being in the UFC even. The man has an understanding for the game, he knows. He's been in those wars, Yoel [Romero] fights, he's been in there with me, so that was the first thing Robert Whittaker said and that was something that stuck with me."

Check out Dricus du Plessis' comments below:

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Dricus du Plessis claims Robert Whittaker is more deserving of a title shot than Sean Strickland

Dricus du Plessis recently weighed in on the UFC middleweight title picture of successfully retaining his title against Israel Adesanya this past weekend at UFC 305. It was recently confirmed that Sean Strickland will be awarded the next title shot, but the South African didn't necessarily agree.

During his post-fight press conference, du Plessis claimed that Robert Whittaker was more deserving of the next title shot than Strickland due to his impressive performances as of late and believes he is being passed over. He said:

"Robert Whittaker deserves the [next title] shot. I think he's being done over. Sean Strickland's only saving grace is the fact that he went the decision, that's it...Whittaker beat [Paulo] Costa in the more spectacular fashion I believe than Strickland did. And then, willing to fight Khamzat [Chimaev]."

Check out Dricus du Plessis' comments below: