UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is on a mission to secure his legacy with a highly anticipated fight against Khamzat Chimaev. Following Chimaev’s stunning victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, fans are eagerly awaiting a showdown between these two fighters. Du Plessis believes that a win over the undefeated Chimaev could be the key to a historic double title fight, solidifying his dominance across divisions.
Du Plessis’ path to a double Title fight
With an impressive streak of wins over top middleweights—Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland, and Israel Adesanya—Du Plessis feels that adding Khamzat Chimaev to his list of defeated opponents would secure his shot at a light heavyweight title. The South African champion envisions this potential title fight taking place in his home country, where he could make UFC history by becoming a two-division champion.
“If I beat Khamzat Chimaev…that warrants a double title fight,” Du Plessis told ESPN, outlining his ambition for a momentous event in South Africa. He believes that defeating Chimaev, known for his relentless grappling and ground game, would solidify his place as one of the top fighters in the UFC. Though willing to face any challenger the UFC proposes, Du Plessis is especially keen on the Chimaev fight due to fan interest and the excitement surrounding this matchup.
Confidence in confronting Chimaev’s strength
Despite Chimaev’s reputation for physical strength and grappling ability, which he showcased in his first-round submission of Whittaker, Du Plessis is unfazed. Confident in his own power and stamina, Du Plessis asserts that he can match—or even exceed—Chimaev’s strength. “There’s not a middleweight that’s going to overpower me. It’s not going to happen,” he confidently stated, showing he is ready to meet Chimaev’s aggression with equal intensity.
While Chimaev is known to use significant strength early in his fights, Du Plessis believes that this approach could ultimately backfire, as Chimaev has previously shown signs of slowing down after the first round. Du Plessis, on the other hand, prides himself on his endurance and resilience, viewing himself as a well-rounded fighter who can handle Chimaev’s forceful style over the course of a fight.
Choosing Chimaev over a Strickland rematch
While Du Plessis has considered a rematch with Strickland, whom he defeated to claim the middleweight title, he finds the idea of facing Chimaev more compelling. According to Du Plessis, Chimaev’s decisive win over Whittaker makes him the top contender in the division. Meanwhile, Du Plessis criticized Strickland’s recent win over Paulo Costa, describing it as a “boring fight” that lacked the excitement fans are looking for.
Du Plessis emphasized that his choice aligns with what fans want, too. “Khamzat…is the next best guy,” he remarked, adding that the prospect of a Du Plessis vs. Chimaev fight is far more thrilling than another matchup with Strickland. From his perspective, this showdown would offer fans the intensity and skill they crave.
Conclusion
For Du Plessis, facing Khamzat Chimaev represents a defining moment in his career and a potential path to a two-division title. By defeating Chimaev, Du Plessis could secure his place in UFC history and bring himself closer to his dream of becoming a two-division champion. This clash, with both fighters eager to prove their dominance, could be one of the most anticipated events in recent UFC history.
