Robert Whittaker is all class in defeat.

UFC 290 was a rough one for the former middleweight champion this past weekend. Whittaker walked into Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena with intentions of securing a third career clash with reigning two-time title holder Israel Adesanya and walked out with only his third loss in the 185-pound weight class.

A comfortable favorite heading into his bout with South Africa’s Dricus Du Plessis, Whittaker started strong in the first half of the opening round before “Stillknocks” found his groove. Du Plessis pressed the pace and got “The Reaper” to the mat, closing out the frame with some thumping ground and pound punches and submission threats. In round two, Du Plessis carried over his momentum and eventually dropped the ever-durable Whittaker with a jab, pouring it on from there to get the huge TKO upset win along with his imminent title shot.

“Congratulations to Dricus,” Whittaker said in a video posted to Twitter. “He showed up to fight, I didn’t (laughs). That’s the nature of the beast. You can’t have a day off. Is what it is.

“I will say that I do believe challenges and hardships and obstacles that get presented to you that you overcome make you stronger. Build character, make you a better man and by fact a better athlete.”

Until UFC 290, Whittaker (24-7) had only lost to Adesanya in the middleweight division (12-3). Now, he’ll have to sit idly as Du Plessis attempts to dethrone the champion in a brewing grudge match.

After each previous defeat since jumping up from welterweight in 2014, the Australian legend has performed impressively in rebound efforts. Whittaker intends to keep that trend alive before 2024 rolls around.

“I will come back stronger from this,” Whittaker said. “I’ll come back hopefully by the end of the year. I want to get in the octagon by the end of the year to get in there, close the year on a win, and bring back the ‘Reaper’ you guys all know. But that’s me. I’m gonna enjoy a couple weeks now with my family just resting and recalibrating, recharging the batteries. Then I’ll get back in the gym, get back to work, and come back better than ever. Thanks again, everybody, and stay tuned.”

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TOP STORIES

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P4P. Rankings: Is Alexander Volkanovski the best fighter in the world?

Ironman. Dan Hooker headed for two surgeries, reveals when he broke arm during Jalin Turner fight

Socials. Hot Tweets: Robbie Lawler’s perfect ending, Alexander Volkanovski’s greatness, Dricus Du Plessis and the rest of UFC 290

Games. EA Sports UFC 5 announced, full reveal set for September

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Return. Wanderlei Silva announces boxing match with Brazilian bodybuilder Felipe Franco

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VIDEO STEW

The MMA Hour.

UFC Vegas 77 promo.

Contender Series hype.

Free fight.

Classic Cyborg.

Hooker’s rewatch and a doctor breakdown.

Gaethje’s Road to Utah.

Poatan training.

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MORNING MUSIC

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Stipe.

Checks out.

Ouff.

Patience.

Netflix and kill.

Heat.

Bully.

Awesome.

Fake?

Exceptional.

What is he made of?

When in Vegas.

Too late to that party, DC.

History.

It’s only the beginning.

Damn.

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FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Jack Della Maddalena (14-2) vs. Bassil Hafez (8-3-1); UFC Vegas 77, July 15

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FINAL THOUGHTS

Kevin Lee’s career took such a spiral after the Tony Ferguson loss. I think his age makes it all the more perplexing. Still just 30.

Thanks for reading!

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EXIT POLL

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If you find something you’d like to see in the Morning Report, hit up @DrakeRiggs_ on Twitter and let him know about it. Also, follow MMAFighting on Instagram and like us on Facebook.