Dricus Du Plessis Finishes Robert Whittaker Middleweight Clash at UFC 290

• Dricus du Plessis is the new number-one contender for Israel Adesanya's Middleweight title
• Du Plessis finished Robert Whittaker in round 2 of their main card bout to set up a title shot
• Adesanya entered the Octagon to confront du Plessis after the fight, calling him his African brother

Dricus du Plessis has set up a clash with Israel Adesanya for the UFC Middleweight title.

The South African fighter beat Robert Whittaker in round two of their main card bout at UFC 290.

The first round got off to a cagey start as neither fighter wanted to make a mistake.

Whittaker landed cleaner shots as the round went on, but du Plessis’ constant pressing forward started to tell. Towards the end of the round, the South African took the Australian down to the mat and landed blows which cut Whittaker open.

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The second round didn’t last long as du Plessis continued to push forward and landed a straight right hand which dropped the Australian.

With Whittaker on the back foot, Stillknocks pushed forward and landed shot after shot, leaving the referee no choice but to stop the fight.

Winner gets Middleweight title shot

Du Plessis and Whittaker went into the bout knowing that the winner of the fight would get a chance to fight for the Middleweight title.

As noted by MMA Junkie, UFC president Dana White confirmed that the winner would fight Israel Adesanya for the title, with the bout earmarked for Sydney, Australia.

Adesanya, who was at cage side for the fight, entered the Octagon and got face to face with the South Africa, launching a verbal tirade which featured many uses of the N-word.

The Nigerian-born Kiwi and du Plessis have been on a collision course for months and the fight between them promises to be more than just about the title.

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Dricus confident of SA wins

Sports Brief earlier reported how Dricus du Plessis was confident of a clean sweep for South Africa over Australia this weekend.

Stillknocks will be representing the country against an Australian, but that isn’t the only matchup between the two nations on the day.

The Springboks also took on the Wallabies in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.

Adesanya prays du Plessis wins

While du Plessis is confident of a South African win, Israel Adesanya is confident of a Stillknocks victory at UFC 290.

The UFC’s Middleweight champion believes that du Plessis will do the job against Robert Whittaker.

Adesanya is also praying for a victory for the South African fighter so that he can punish him, Sports Brief reported.