"We would have crossed that bridge when we got there," Robert Whittaker smirked when asked whether he had contingencies in place in case things didn’t exactly go according to plan with Israel Adesanya.

Whittaker was knocked out by Du Plessis at UFC 290, so he knows the game of ‘Stillknocks’ well. And having experienced the champ’s strengths first hand, ‘The Reaper’ believes the key to him losing lies within himself, not his opponents.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/fannation/mma as UFC bogeyman flattened Robert Whittaker’s teeth with savage choke. Robert Whittaker returns from one of the most devastating losses of his career when he steps in the Octagon this weekend at UFC Abu Dhabi.

Dricus du Plessis has a history of turning skepticism into victory, but Robert Whittaker thinks his current path could lead to defeat. Since becoming champion, the South African has held onto his title with two successful defences.

Adesanya shared his Du Plessis vs. Chimaev pick, having fallen via submission to ‘Stillknocks’ in August 2024. But ‘The Reaper’ may be better placed to break down the upcoming championship clash given that he’s fought both men.