Dricus du Plessis Eyeing Khamzat Chimaev for Next Title Defense

Dricus du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev

Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has been gearing up for what fans expected to be a heated rematch with Sean Strickland, the former champion. But that matchup could be on the back burner after UFC 308, where undefeated Khamzat Chimaev delivered a jaw-dropping performance against Robert Whittaker, submitting the former champ in brutal fashion and throwing the middleweight title scene into upheaval.

In the lead-up to UFC 308, both Whittaker and Chimaev made it clear they believed a dominant win would place them next in line, surpassing Strickland in the queue. With Chimaev’s swift and jaw-breaking victory over “The Reaper,” the fight world has its eyes on him as a serious contender – including the reigning champion himself.

“We always knew that, between Rob and Khamzat, if it was going to be something exceptional that happens, there might be a change in the title fight,” Du Plessis explained in an interview with Radioraps. As a fan and the middleweight king, Du Plessis admitted that Chimaev’s undefeated record makes him a more thrilling prospect for his next fight. “We have no clarity on that, but as a fan of the sport, and as the middleweight champion of the world, that’s a fight that gets me more excited – taking somebody’s 0. I’ve beaten Strickland before, and I know I’ll beat him again.”

The champion’s enthusiasm for the Chimaev matchup stems from a desire to challenge himself against an unbeaten opponent and deliver the fight fans are buzzing about. “Getting that Khamzat fight, that gets me excited. I think the whole world, the fans want to see it. The fans ultimately pay to watch the fights. So, the fight the world thinks is the best next fight, that’s what I want. I think the Khamzat fight is 100 percent what I want.”

While Du Plessis awaits official confirmation, his preference for Chimaev highlights his desire to elevate the middleweight division with the highest stakes on the line. The decision rests with the UFC, but the reigning champ has spoken: the fight he’s eager for – and fans crave – is a showdown with Khamzat Chimaev.