UFC middleweight king Dricus du Plessis has admitted that he would have preferred to fight Khamzat Chimaev in UFC 312 main event, rather than Sean Strickland.
Dricus Du Plessis Wanted Khamzat Chimaev Title Fight At UFC 312 Over Sean Strickland Rematch
It was confirmed over the weekend that Dricus Du Plessis’ next fight will see him defend his UFC Middleweight Title in a rematch against Sean Strickland at UFC 312.
The bout is set to headline UFC 312 in Australia on February 9, with the South African looking to make a successful second defence of his 185-poun crown. ‘Stillknocks’ of course won the belt two fights again, when he defeated Strickland via split decision at UFC 297.
Now, the rematch has been confirmed as Dana White heads down under for UFC 312 early in 2025. Although the Strickland rematch has only just been confirmed, it is evident that du Plessis has his sights firmly set on Khamzat Chimaev.
Chimaev is almost definitely next in line for a shot at middleweight gold after Strickland. ‘Borz’ defeated Robert Whittaker in Round 1 of his last fight at UFC 308, throwing his name into the hat for a 185-pound title shot next.
With that in mind, Dricus du Plessis has admitted that he would have preferred to fight Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 312 instead of Sean Strickland again. The South African took to Twitter (X), clarifying that Strickland is indeed his next opponent, but that if it was his decision he’d have opted for the Chimaev fight.
Just for clarification I preferred the Khamzat fight but the rematch is a fight most wanted before Khamzat vs Withaker. I’m not unhappy with the UFC’s decision like I said I’ll fight the man fans think is the next best guy he was promised the fight so Strickland it is.
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) December 10, 2024
‘I Preferred The Khamzat Fight’ – 185-Pound Champ Takes To Social Media
Dricus du Plessis made his feelings known about his next fight, insisting that he would have opted for the Khamzat Chimaev fight rather than the Sean Strickland rematch for the UFC 312 headliner.
“Just for clarification I preferred the Khamzat fight but the [Strickland] rematch is a fight most wanted before Khamzat vs Whittaker. I’m not unhappy with the UFC’s decision like I said I’ll fight the man fans think is the next best guy he was promised the fight so Strickland it is,” the UFC Middleweight Champion wrote on social media.
The first fight between the pair at UFC 297 was a close affair, with ‘Stillknocks’ just getting the nod on the judges’ scorecards. An immediate rematch was not scheduled, with Strickland fighting Paulo Costa at UFC 302 and du Plessis taking on former champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 instead.
Following each of their wins, Dana White confirmed that the rematch between the South African and the American would be next. White stuck to his world, despite Khamzat Chimaev throwing a curveball with his stunning first-round submission of Robert Whittaker at UFC 308.
It is not yet known if Chimaev will face the UFC 312 winner, but it is highly likely. Shortly after Dricus du Plessis’ rematch with Sean Strickland was announced, he tweeted: “This time they won’t call it a robbery, they’ll call it attempted murder.”
This time they won’t call it a robbery, they’ll call it attempted murder. #UFC312 #preparetobeamazed pic.twitter.com/oSOJ0ih5yf
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) December 9, 2024
Dricus du Plessis goes into the UFC 312 main event as the slight favourite with the best UFC betting sites in the UK to successfully defend his UFC Middleweight Title in his rematch with Sean Strickland.
Be sure to claim the various UFC betting offers and free bet deals available on the SportsCasting site ahead of Dricus du Plessis’ next fight.
