UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis shared that he would be “more excited” to face off against Khamzat Chimaev than to have a rematch with Sean Strickland.
Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) claimed the title after a split-decision victory over Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) at UFC 297 in January in Toronto, leading many to expect a rematch for his next title defense.
However, Du Plessis’ focus shifted to Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) after Chimaev’s impressive first-round submission victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 last Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
“We always knew that, between Rob and Khamzat, if something exceptional happened, there might be a change in the title fight,” Du Plessis said in an interview with the YouTube channel Radioraps, posted Wednesday. “There’s no clarity yet, but as a fan of the sport and as the middleweight champion, 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.”
“Getting that Khamzat fight, that gets me excited. I think the whole world, the fans want to see it. Fans ultimately pay to watch the fights, so I want the fight the world sees as the best next fight. I think the Khamzat fight is 100 percent what I want. The UFC is going to do what they’re going to do, but from both a fan and fighter perspective, Khamzat should get the next shot.”
Du Plessis’ coach, Morne Visser, echoed his enthusiasm on Instagram, writing, “We want Khamzat next in February. Prepare to be amazed once again.”
Du Plessis last fought in August at UFC 305 in Australia, where he successfully defended his title by submitting Israel Adesanya in the fourth round.
Source: Field Level Media