Following Khamzat Chimaev’s impressive win over Robert Whittaker at the recently concluded UFC308, Dricus Du Plessis would like to have a go at him.
The bout displayed a spectacular performance from Chimaev, who had Whittaker in a choke hold that crushed his jaw in the first round. After his win, UFC CEO Dana White and many believe other things were discussed, including a possible matchup with Du Plessis. The middleweight champ Du Plessis was originally scheduled to have a rematch battle with Strickland, but he believes a fight with Chimaev will be more fitting.
“We always knew between Rob and Khamzat if there was going to be something exceptional that happens, there might be a change in the title fight,” du Plessis said. “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 wants to see it,” du Plessis said. “The fans ultimately pay to watch the fights, so the fight the world thinks is the best next fight, that’s what I want. So, 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 a fighter’s perspective, I think Khamzat should get the next shot.”
Although nothing has been confirmed yet, it seems White is wavering on the Strickland rematch bout. During the UFC308 post-fight interview, White was asked who would be the champ’s next opponent, and he simply replied, “Good question.”
