UFC’s International Fight Week, way back in July, did not disappoint fans at all! Why? Well, nine out of thirteen fights on the UFC 290 PPV ended in a finish. However, Dricus Du Plessis’ TKO win over Robert Whittaker in the PPV’s co-main middleweight clash stood out the most. But the TKO loss at the hands of ‘Stillknocks’ was a bitter pill for ‘The Reaper’ to swallow.

Now, two months after his disheartening loss, Whittaker has finally come out with a heartfelt confession about his feelings ever since the loss. Let’s hear what the Australian MMA artist says about his feelings after his UFC 290 loss.

Robert Whittaker makes a heartfelt in the aftermath of UFC 290 loss

Robert Whittaker was recently featured on The MMA Hour hosted by Ariel Helwani. The MMA journalist kicked off the interview with a poignant question: “It’s only been two months. Do you feel like you’re over July? Or is that only coming the next time you fight?”

Trending

“UFC Is Scrambled”: Dana White’s $20M From Conor McGregor Fight Could be in Jeopardy as Daniel Cormier Hands a Solution for UFC 303

May 08, 2024 06:59 AM EDT

“He’s Reckless” – Joe Rogan Brands Tony Hinchcliffe as “Best” Roaster Despite Controversy at Netflix’s Tom Brady Roast

May 08, 2024 10:32 AM EDT

“He Would Lose All That Money” – Penalty Hangs Over Ryan Garcia’s Head Despite Nandrolone Clean Chit as Sean O’Malley Calls for Massive Fine on Boxer

May 08, 2024 05:22 PM EDT

Joe Rogan Derails Ryan Garcia’s Public Bashing With a No-Joke Statement on Devin Haney Fight

May 07, 2024 04:34 PM EDT

Embarrassed in Public by Conor McGregor, Sean O’Malley Wants to Settle the Beef Inside the Cage With UFC Star

May 08, 2024 04:29 PM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest UFC stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

“I don’t think I’m over it because it pissed me off!” Whittaker confessed. The night of the fight haunted him because he believed he didn’t perform at his best. Instead of trying to forget it, he plans to use the frustration as fuel for his future endeavors. 

He further revealed: “I’ve been just locking myself in the gym – training myself to be better – to just take it to that next level. This isn’t – I don’t want to have this sort of end [in] career. I do believe the best of me hasn’t yet come out…”

Whittaker’s candid confession sheds light on the complex emotions that fighters experience after a loss and the determination to evolve and come back stronger. But why is ‘The Reaper’ upset even after two months of his loss?

Ariel Helwani’s interview brings out the unyielding spirit of Robert Whittaker

Helwani probed further, asking Whittaker about the factors contributing to his subpar performance. ‘The Reaper’ admitted that it’s easy to find reasons in hindsight but pointed out, “I just know – personally, that night[UFC 290] when I got in there, I wasn’t thinking about the fight. I didn’t feel myself for whatever reason…”

The frustration stemmed from the fact that, in some of his past fights, Whittaker had given it his all and still fallen short. He explained, “It upsets me so much – because – it’s like with that first Israel fight. There’s times I go into fights and I give it a good odd crack – and I come out short. I understand that! It doesn’t take the brunt away from it. But I know I fought a good fight, and I went out there to the best of my capabilities at the time…”

Robert Whittaker Opens Up on “Scary Individual” Dricus du Plessis as UFC 290 Opponent Feuds With Israel Adesanya Over African Heritage

Furthermore, ‘The Reaper’ has also made a scathing remark about former middleweight champ Israel Adesanya – he argues that “it’s silly” for ‘Izzy’ to get a rematch after the way he lost the title to Sean Strickland.

In the shadows of defeat, Robert Whittaker finds the motivation to shine brighter, and his journey is far from over. With each challenge he encounters, he moves one step closer to realizing his full potential—a potential that promises to amaze fight fans worldwide. Moreover, Israel Adesanya’s title loss might have just opened up a title shot for ‘The Reaper.’

‘The Reaper’ may have faced a setback, but his spirit remains unbroken, and his story in the world of MMA is far from being written in its entirety. What do you think of this heartfelt confession from the Australian UFC icon? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Watch this story: Israel Adesanya Ranks Himself Above Michael Jordan in Pettiness