Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has diverted his attention to Khamzat Chimaev after UFC 308.
Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) was expecting to run things back with Sean Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) for his next title defense. But after Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) ran through former champ Robert Whittaker for a first-round submission in Saturday’s UFC 308 co-main event, Du Plessis now has a new target.
“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 told Radioraps. “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.
“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. The UFC is going to do what they’re going to do, but from a fan perspective and from a fighter’s perspective, I think Khamzat should get the next shot.”
Du Plessis’ head coach, Morne Visser, echoed that sentiment on Instagram.
“3 athletes that started their UFC careers around the same time @tomaspinallofficial @dricusduplessis @iliatopuria 3 world champions, that will stay champions for a really long time!
Massive congrats to @iliatopuria on a phenomenal performance.
We want Khamzat next in February.
Prepare to be amazed once again.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.
