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.

After Whittaker beat Yoel Romero to become interim champion and was later elevated to undisputed king when Georges St-Pierre vacated the throne, ‘The Reaper’ hoped to continue his charge toward greatness. At 185 pounds, the next step was a unification fight against Adesanya. Beyond that, though, the Australian had eyes on another piece of UFC gold.

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.

"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 faces Reinier de Ridder in the main event at UFC Abu Dhabi this weekend, with his career at a crossroads.

The Australian isn't ready to sail off into the sunset just yet, insisting the walk to the Octagon still gets the blood pumping.