DDP shouts out South Africa then immediately jokes about how "out of breath" he is. He then says he's coming for all the haters on social media. 

DDP then talks about the finish, saying he didn't know he hurt Whittaker until he dropped to the canvas. And now Israel Adesanya is in the cage, for a face off. 

First though, DDP gives a shoutout to Whittaker, saying he's a legend and it's the biggest honor of his career. Class.

They set up the faceoff and DDP says "I don't know about great." And then Adesanya says the n-word a whole bunch to DDP, "my African brother."

"I'm African but I'm not your brother."

Oh good. We're doing this. This is awful. Izzy talks about a 23-and-me test. Then calls it an easy fight. They face off and we're done.

Dricus du Plessis def. Robert Whittaker by TKO (punches) at 2:23 of Round 2.

It was a stepping right hand as Whittaker stepped in as well that dropped Whittaker. DDP then just put it on him, body shots, head shots. Offense. What a friggin' performance. MW title shot incoming.

DDP talked a lot about his physicality and it showed there. Whittaker was not able to do much off the back. Can DDP get another takedown though? If so he may win the fight. 

DDP does appear to be in good shape. No heavy breathing. And DDP lands a low kick. Whittaker goes for his right hand, head kick combo but it's blocked. 

DDP lands a left hook that gets Whittaker's attention. Right hand from Whittaker. Whittaker upping his output early this round, looking for some get back. DDP lands a good jab and a left. Whittaker backs him up with a right. DDP's defense has been much improved this fight, must be said. Whittaker misses a high kick. DDP lands a body kick. 

Whittaker lands a left hook as DDP steps in. And a low kick. Whittaker showing some good feints when DDP comes in, creating openings. OH RIGHT HAND HURTS WHITTAKER!!!!!!!

HE FALLS TO THE MAT! HE'S UP BUT IN TROUBLE!!! DDP POURING IT ON!!!!! WHITTAKER COVERING UP ALONG THE CAAGE!!!!!! AND IT'S OVER!!!!!!!! OH MY GOD

Whittaker out in orthodox, DDP in southpaw. Whittaker with his karate stance, bouncing. And we exchange punches early. Nothing lands. 

Both men taking the lead, and moving around. Lots of feints and looks early. Whittaker lands a low kick. He's keeping a very long range and DDP can't get in. 

Whittaker lands a jab and a right. DDP covers up, and he's starting to hesitate. Whittaker showing angles. Whittaker comes in behind a jab and tags DDP. Jab is money.

DDP cannot find the range through 2 minutes. Whittaker finding single shot sin moments. And as DDP throws a kick, Whittaker drives in on a double and gets a takedown. DDP grabs a guillotine but Whittaker steps over. DDP against the fence though and he stands up. Back in space.

Whittaker has a clear speed advantage. Whittaker lands a big right hand over the top from a failed DDP right hook. DDP cannot walk Whittaker down and Whittaker keeps tagging him with the jab and with kicks, and hooks. 

DDP finally finds a shot, landing a big right hand and a left, but Whittaker eats it well. DDP coming forward and lands a knee up the middle. And a low kick. He's starting to get in some now. Lands a right hand. And a body kick. Calf kick. 

DDP is adjusting and Whittaker clinches but DDP lands a trip and gets on top! Whittaker trying to move but DDP lands a nice elbow from the top and Whittaker is cut. Whittaker gets guard but DDP staying on top and passes to side control. DDP attacking a d'arce! Whittaker covers up and DDP lands a BIG elbow! Whittaker is bleeding as DDP lands big shots to end the round! What a turnaround!

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9 DDP.

Whittaker is 3 years older, 1 inch shorter, and has a 2.5-inch reach disadvantage. He is a -345 favorite though with the comeback on DDP at +365.

Bruce Buffer gets things going. DDP bounces and waves the crowd on as they boo him. DDP still looks so damn happy. Zero nerves on this man.

Whittaker has his mean face on, pacing. He beats his chest while announced. The crowd cheers. Israel Adesanya is shown cage side.

Marc Goddard is the referee for this one and we're off!

DDP takes a quick walk to the cage and he could not be happier. Honestly, this man looks like he's walking to his own birthday party. He is looking around with the eyes of a kid on Christmas. He clearly believes this is his moment. Maybe it is. 

Whittaker comes out to Roy Jones Jr. and he is looking extremely focused. A tale of two walkouts. Bobby Knuckles has been here before. He knows what to do.

Well, UFC 290 has been every bit the card of the year it projected to be. What an absolute war between Hooker and Turner. Now we're onto the main courses. First up, a middleweight title eliminator (we think). Can DDP pull off the upset? Let's see.