Dricus Du Plessis calls beating Robert Whittaker a ‘childhood dream come true’ | UFC 290

Megan Olivi interviews Dricus Du Plessis after his impressive win vs. Robert Whittaker at UFC 290. Du Plessis discusses his game plan for the fight as well as his thoughts on if he’ll fight Israel Adesanya for the middleweight title at UFC 293.
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[@timwannell6477]

Dricus, absolute gentleman and legend. Earn ya lot of fans with his skills and humble respectful attitude.

[@seanism2011]

On the way to being a legend. Not yet though. Beating a legend don’t make you one.

[@fighthive4808]

@@seanism2011being the first ever African-based title contender is absolutely legendary. I don’t think you realize the doors he’s opened already for his nation and the entire continent. this man is pioneering African MMA in front of our very eyes.

[@pitech4446]

DDP stock went up 1000% tonight, the as usual genderbender acted like a Kid, I hope DDP KO him the F out

[@urban_legend.]

He is a Legend in Africa

[@Jabsfightpicks]

Lol soooo many humble and respectful fighters. Like it’s good to be that way but if that’s the main reason you like someone then you have to make sure you’re a fan of aaaaaallll fighters who are humble and respectful in all shades and sizes. Because ppl will say this and then turn around and show a bunch of love to Colby Covington

[@sportsfan_913]

He's so aware of his skills, weaknesses. Ton of trust in his coach who developed a phenomenal gameplan vs one of 185s all time greats. Won't doubt this man again.

[@Bosstype90]

The respect he has for Robert ❤

[@gelster365]

We, as South Africans, have a lot of respect for Robert, and for aussies in general , they are great competitors.

[@buryitdeep]

This guy has it all. Toughness, beast, looks, charm, intelligence and fashion sense.

[@96Caleb96]

Would look way sexy with pink nails and bright blue hair

[@raoulfr]

Here we go again 😂

[@DorisOPius]

Y'all haters are 🤣🤣🤣

[@NPFfumbi]

@clipped6946him and Costa should have fought already

[@jse_illustrations]

​@@NPFfumbicosta isn't fighting anyone

[@UpTheCatters]

I’m an Aussie so I’m clearly not too happy about how the fight went… but my god! This man Dricus makes me more and more of a fan with every passing sentence. What a humble, respectful, REAL dude. Happy for him and I pray he sleeps Jizztrail Fagesanya

[@ordinaryopinion4081]

Ruined my parlay. Cost me a lot money Lol. But I’m happy for him. What a performance. Definitely surprised me. I had Rob by 3rd round stoppage….

[@Apollo-th2xb]

​@@ordinaryopinion4081i set up a sweet bet, $500 on Rob by points and $500 on Dricus just to win. Make $750 either way and it seems like the most likely scenarios

[@UpTheCatters]

@@Apollo-th2xb nicely done 👌

[@stephanierichards6190]

You have no idea how much South Africans love Rob we have so much respect for him 🇿🇦

[@bonkling]

I've always backed Izzy, seriously. But after the episode tonight I almost died of cringe. The bloke is such an absolute spanner. Dricus seems like a great dude, I hope he wins

[@TusharSharma-vy7bo]

The most surprising part about his game, were the elbows and the ground control, this guy is insanely good

[@shaunfourie2465]

But we told you and everyone else this, yet you still didn't believe us, and infact thought he was going to lose badly.

[@bugsbunny7168]

@@shaunfourie2465bro i literally posted dricus winning in a group and everyone laughed about me

[@billywonka4160]

@@shaunfourie2465Dricus is not beating Whittaker in any world LOL

[@urban_legend.]

​@@billywonka4160in no other imaginary world but the real world

[@TusharSharma-vy7bo]

@@shaunfourie2465 I had seen his fights against Soldic it was more than enough to convince me how good he was as a fighter, but that whooping he put Whittaker was certainly unexpected, so was the trip and the elbow strikes

[@sportsfan_913]

His interviews all week & now post fight are making me a fan. He shouldn't feel pressured to fight again so quickly. You may only get this chance once.

[@Razear]

Dude silenced a lot of doubters tonight. Stopped a perennial contender when most thought he was a lamb being led to slaughter.

[@GamingLife420]

Dricus Du Plessis, Love from South Africa!🇿🇦 Well done bro!🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@spiffy8576]

Way to go Dricus. Rooting for you to take the championship.

[@zeestreats7]

His awareness and dedication to the game plan is what strikes me. I did see the positional drifts in there from South Paw to Orthodox, etc., the patience not to rush in, the seriousness of biting hard on every flinch, this was seriously an elite performance. Congrats to him.

[@connorcolquhou5845]

Psalms 27:1 “1 The LORD is my light and my salvation- whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life- of whom shall I be afraid?”

[@spian]

Im glad dricus is respecful in victory instead of brushing off his opponents. True martial artist. Respect

[@aravindyourfriend]

No other fighter or opponent gave so much props to Robert like dricus did, shows how much of deep respect he has for him and also shows his character. Looks like he is a solid dude with fine balance of humility and confidence, hope we see a great fight with the champion, In that first face-off, he won it!

[@thomasre9382]

I mean hes basically a fanboy, he has his poster of whittaker in his room. Him and his brothers are fan of whittaker.

[@dylanmatipa136]

@@thomasre9382how do you know this?

[@thomasre9382]

@@dylanmatipa136 it was stated in one of his interviews.

[@dylanmatipa136]

@@thomasre9382 meh. He’s still a racist

[@justamanofculture3577]

I hope he flatlines izzy. Izzy is such a manchild. Racially attacks DDP but forgets about his claims about being Chinese

[@Patrick-bu5vy]

Big fan of Izzy but he made a fool of himself tonight. As Denzel Washington said to Will Smith after his Oscars slap - "At your highest moment, be careful. That's when the devil comes for you." Win or learn brother. Win or learn. Hats off to Du Plessis - big win and a classy speech in the octagon.

[@user-nv2wt4hi8t]

Bro, he was SLOSHED. I get why, since a lot of his boys (Dan, Alex etc.) were fighting, but man he let this personal beef he's drilled into his head ride him by the time he reached the octagon.

[@raoulfr]

Ain't got time for Denzel and MLK right now, Izzy is going the Malcolm route. Also, done act like we don't know who started the disrespect. All of a sudden Izzy is the bad guy AGAIN for going 💯

[@user-nv2wt4hi8t]

@@raoulfr DDP's the bad guy for saying he'll be the first African fighter training out of Africa who will bring the belt to sit at home in Africa?

[@Obiodum_]

​@@user-nv2wt4hi8tWhat bothered Israel wasn't the fact Du Plessis lives in Africa, it's the fact that he attempted to diminish his, Kamaru and Francis' achievements in the UFC. If Du Plessis had shown respect to the fighters that came before him and simply stated his intent to be the first African champion residing in Africa, nobody would care. You know that fully well but you prefer to be disingenuous and avoid the main reason why this happened.

[@Obiodum_]

​@@raoulfrThis is what Europeans always do. They will instigate a problem and wait for a reaction. Once the target gives the reaction, they'll then play the victim and gaslight you to infinity. Du Plessis started this and now he's moving as if he's the victim because he knew fully well that his people would defend his behaviour because they hate Israel.

[@moonvenerable7897]

I was clowed at for months for picking Dricus, but what this gentleman faced i can't imagine. Africa you got yourself a future champ👏

[@Gog3ta1218]

Everyone did apparently

[@ShakenPig]

You deserved it. This is a very unexpected result.

[@GuruPetr]

Facts.

[@MigthyDucksz24]

@@ShakenPig not that unexpected to be honest. Yeah he was still a pretty massive underdog, but when you look at his style, the way he is built and the opponents he has beaten, it shouldnt be a shock to anyone that he could potentially beat Whittaker. You were just sleeping and not paying attention. Thats your own fault

[@ShakenPig]

@@MigthyDucksz24 You're an idiot. I never said he had no chance to beat Whittaker.

[@safwankhan4434]

Won’t lie still a bit salty Bobby Knuckles lost, but his reaction at the post fight interview has got me rooting for DDP against Adesanya

[@gerhardswart5529]

He is a true role model. Which will make him an even better champ when he takes that belt from jizzy.

[@HakunaMatataaaa]

The next African Champion. China vs Africa in Sydney, this September! Let's go!!!

[@EaGerTYryhMe_-.]

This mans well spoken I like that👍

[@raoulfr]

Many fighters are, don’t see where this guy standouts from the rest, as far as being articulated. I think y’all are blinded by his suit or something 🧐

[@sjandrews]

Okay, the respect he gave to Whittaker at the end of this interview won me over. Cheers Dricus, excited to see what's next.

[@stepriver8877]

When he shook Trumps hand, peak of the night. LFG

[@mikelawlor829]

100%

[@solo2873]

Anyone who can do that to Whittaker deserves respect

[@m.a2894]

He is like smart Vettori

[@Big271ne]

😂

[@saffaadventures365]

Lol smart, faster and more athletic one yeah

[@dumpsterdiver2069]

WAY better wrestling and submission threat than dumb Vettori…

[@se7ensavage707]

So proud of my South African ouens!

[@MiiGUELANGELR]

1:40 “ITSSSS TIMEEEEEEEEEE!!!!” Bruce buffer getting everyone in the crowd and around the world hype for the main event 🤩

[@manimavuso]

Dricus bout to become the first African champ 🇿🇦🙏🏿 real ones know

[@stoicsavage509]

So stupid

[@daebak7370]

Dudes gonna get picked apart

[@marko-qu4rj]

@@daebak7370you probably said that about Rob as well

[@jonasmaseko9194]

Salute👊🇿🇦

[@V1KTOR33]

@@marko-qu4rjhe will switch up once the Chinese queen gets starched.

[@sinsemillao]

Still can’t believe this man did Whittaker like that. Congrats 👏🏽

[@forforg83]

He was mocked. He was belittled. He was falsely accused. He was racially insulted. Well, he's just knocked out the boogey man of the MW division! I'm so stoked for the championship bout and what the future holds for the true African fighter. Izzy's blatant racism is so pathetic and he deserves to be humbled by the King of Africa 👍

[@restlessyouthproductions]

Hush colonizer

[@dantakeoff]

@@andersd8956 Ahahahaha🤣

[@mrsilva6086]

You make us proud bro.. This is South African sportsmanship respectful honorable, legend!!!

[@stephanierichards6190]

People spoke about Robs fighter IQ well guess what! Respect to Rob 🙌put some respect to Dricus name 🇿🇦

[@JordanAlbert-fu9jz]

Bittersweet, I hate too see Rob lose like that, but this gives the fans and Izzy a new fight with DDP. Absolute warrior and used his win and spotlight to give Whittaker a tremendously respectful praise. I'm definitely rooting for him against Izzy.

[@prasannakumar-de3ir]

Bruce Buffer screaming nonstop in the background is dope…💢

[@Sir1626]

so cool to finally have a true African warrior in the UFC after Ngannou

[@YouShookItThreeTimes]

Dricus is second to only (former UFC fighter) Platinum Mike Perry

[@williammasson1]

Believed that Dricus will Win from the start. Alot of people though I was crazy for believing in our SA champ. He will KO Izzy too! Prepare to be amazed!

[@venice2823]

No you didn't, I told you that

[@sibusisomgenge8970]

😂

[@ordinaryopinion4081]

He ruined my parlay but I’m happy for him. Definitely shocked many including me. What a performance

[@Off_Ender69]

You have to remember South Africa is in a State of Disaster. Many hours of the day most of SA has no power/electricity so for DDP to come out and dominate like he has is even more impressive

[@jonasmaseko9194]

Its only 2 hrs a day without power.

[@shaunfourie2465]

Especially through loadshedding, we made it happen boet. He got the W

[@shaunfourie2465]

​@@jonasmaseko9194nope, mine went off at 6pm last night, and was still off at 08h30 this morning. And yes I did pay the bill😂

[@Off_Ender69]

I have no idea fellas, I’m not from SA but have done abit of research. I hope all is well

[@jonasmaseko9194]

@@shaunfourie2465 that sounds more like an unplanned outage, no?

[@Seryma86]

Very impressive win. It’s no easy feat to do this to Rob, a guy who has been rolling through everyone except for Izzy at this point. And 2nd fight with Izzy was very close at that. DDP is the real deal

[@alcottdevalte7440]

Plessis is Mr. Africa and he might become the next champ. We have a Chinese champion now and it would be nice if the belt was brought to Africa for once.

[@MontanaRealtyCompany934]

Nice try white boy Africa aint yours.

[@Adil-uk7vh]

Wow 😅👏🏼👏🏼

[@shauden10]

Such a good fighter. Will be glad to see his title attempt.

[@Jnevergoesout]

Truly gentleman.

[@shagrrr1865]

I can’t believe I’m now rooting for Du Plessis to beat Izzy haha my African champ

[@123..0.]

Dricus and Mike Perry are such great ambassadors for Africa

[@BestPropTutorials]

DDP is my favorite Black fighter

[@matevzdraksler4576]

Izzy my favorite Maori fighter od all time

[@brucegauld5141]

His left arm. The whole interview. God bless you my guy! God is with you. You are a man!

[@nathandust]

Incredible win for Du Plessis. He definitely earned millions and fans from this fight and rightfully so.

[@mustafakhan940]

It makes sense to do Adesanya vs. Strickland in Sydney then after Izzy slaps up Sean, they do Adesanya vs. Du Plessis in Africa next year

[@henkvaneeden9054]

I agree. That's the only way Izzy will bring a belt to Africa, and leave it here for the real champ...

[@orajoubert1242]

Yip. And in Soweto

[@khotsophalole9168]

We dont see izzy as more African than Dricus here in africa.

[@beng7613]

Instant star ⭐️

[@Kegotback]

Earned a new viewer in myself and I only saw his last fight. So I’m excited to see more going forward. I know he will compete for the championship next whether it be September or later. I wish him the best.

[@gregorydebeer4531]

Such a great interview from both of them.

[@romerosneck]

Was gutted because I'm a massive bobby Stan but the way this man conducts himself and gives credit to rob you can't help but like him

[@jonasmaseko9194]

A good dose of humble pie was served tonigh!!!😎👏

[@MasterSpencer2483]

This fight broke my heart in two, but I appreciate Dricus’ classiness toward and admiration for Rob and his achievements

[@JoaoSousa-yb7cs]

"Healed Nose Du plesis" is a beast!

[@truthfinder7064]

Real Gentleman these South Africans, even look the way they dress after the fight!

[@michaelrb9837]

This makes Darren Tills loss not all that bad. Lol Darren actually went 3 rounds with dricuss 😂crazy

[@dumpsterdiver2069]

See, Dricus learned from fighting Till that he had to fight Rob out of his comfort zone and in southpaw 80% of the time and orthodox 20%. The game plan worked perfectly…

[@marthas23]

Such a gentleman

[@sti99]

1:37 Bruce buffer and his legendary "it's time"

[@dantehoward99]

1:37 bruce buffer casually popping off in the background

[@ianward8107]

I find it interesting that Israel who happens to be the chronological older fighter. Yet Rob and Dricus who happen to be younger than him carry themselves with more poise and maturity. Just an observation.

[@diogeneslantern18]

Adesanya is still a boy in his thought processes and emotions.

[@benedictwengi7586]

Great fight break down

[@ionlyLevelup]

Dude is a gentleman

[@MMA4LIFE.]

One thing got to know about Dricuss today, this bloke is classy for sure. If he will become a MW champ. He got all potential to become a UFC poster boy, lets see he will live up to that only time will tell.

[@jamesmccusker2260]

This guy will have a good reign as champion he is a legend

[@jeronboucher]

The first shall become last, and the last shall become first....congrats DDP🇿🇦💪🏿

[@GonnaGetYouBoi]

Dricus, sitting there in school.. doodling a picture of Robert, and him punching Robert in the face, in said picture. What childhood dreams are made of.

[@andreapedroni3256]

The middleweight division is finally changing. A new generation of great fighter is coming in strong and the division is probably the most stacked of the promotion rn.

[@willevalle9371]

This guy is gentlemen

[@sibusisomgenge8970]

Robert thought he was coasting and got caught😂

[@Theone.fitness]

I think the CTE inside Izzy helped us tonight showing how amazing of a person he really is. 😂

[@vikramseth3984]

Heartbroken 💔💔💔💔 for rob

[@iunstoppable1]

Megan feeling dricus

[@shanefaulkner4071]

TBF - think the credit has to go to Dricus coaching staff. The reaper survived two wars with Romero and didn't get thrown around like this and I have some serious doubts (like many) about Romeros juice status. I'm no expert and styles make fights but Dricus ragdoll'd Rob unlike anything Romero could do. So whatever the plan was - it was genius. Not trying to take anything away from DDP - I like many gave him no chance and not only did he prove all of us wrong, he did with style, class, respect and humility. I hope he can take Izzy (unfortunately I think Izzy will play the running game) and put some class back into the MW title holder.

[@rickymerchant8021]

Man did he run over Rob, Great win

[@ItzEvelyn121]

Like this guy

[@shortsclipperz4427]

He’s gained a couple new fans

[@henkmeyer1960]

Wel gedaan Dricus, Henk uit Wyoming

[@xmrsmartx2091]

Are we going to ignore how much Megan wanted a piece of Dricus? You can feel the tension through the screen.

[@BenDover23561]

Giga chad

[@termsofusepolice]

It would be awesome if Whittaker was willing to help Dricus in his camp against Izzy.

[@DamonTheGreat_]

Had that awkward feeling he would pull it off and this mf did 😤😂

[@jacklitz6024]

Seems like a good dude

[@AmB39]

The champion we need and deserve.

[@olliedeaney8740]

As a big doubter I got to say I am impressed. Nothing against Whittaker the guys still an animal but man the new guys are coming up

[@keithdavidgovender]

🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦 My Man 👊

[@walterkaiyuenpang3556]

Time to get a New Suit DDP !!! 👍✊💪

[@TeeSlice]

Dudes like a south African Robert Whittaker in his own way , respectful, humble, killa. I actually hope he beats Izzy

[@reinhardtbezuidenhout1242]

"Israel" just turned Dricus into the new UFC sweatheart😁

[@husainaboobaker9615]

Once Dricus Beats Izzy He'll make History for being the first UFC Champion From South Africa

[@shafqatishan437]

DDP the nxt champ! Go 🇿🇦

[@RickSuaz]

Israel is going to go hard in the 4th and 5th rnd against Dricus. Dricus my guy better train that cardio 💪

[@MoralesAlex805]

Coaches know best

[@aces8481]

how can it be his childhood dream when Rob is like 3 years older than him

[@danielcampbell2607]

Congrats to dricus wasnt expecting that i wasnt expecting and easy ko from rob i thought it would play out like theatvin fight close 1st round that whittaker wins followed by domination in 2 and 3 but dricus showed us hes trouble very awkward with good power rob doesn't have an iron chin but its a solid chin thats taken shots from romero izzy in the rematch cannonier etc i wasnt too hyped to izzy vs rob 3 although rob made the 2nd fight close and arguably could of won i just had a feeling izzy would win the 3rd fight easily with dricus its a fresh match up with some good story behind it

[@wesohall]

Africa got the potential to have its first champ who lives and trains in Africa . Gonna give so much hope to people who live in Africa black and white that out is possible to reach the top while residing in Africa

[@Limitlessquad]

Fresh

[@TeemoForLife]

Makes no sense to go back 8 weeks. No way IZzy strickland Then izzy dricus

[@jonnyburn6473]

Say it as it is Izzy showed fear in his reaction and thats fighting you always know and worry that there is someone better and there is, but that is also what makes you better it will be an interesting fight Izzy is deep minded and will fight smart I look forward to seeing it

[@rodrigorodrigues2820]

two nostrils Du Plessis is the new mythical fighter

[@nickcuric2741]

🇿🇦🇿🇦🇿🇦