The UFC middleweight division’s drama continues to unfold as the top 2 guys keep poking at each other constantly. Champion Dricus Du Plessis, fresh off defending his title against Israel Adesanya, recently delivered a characteristically blunt message to former champion Sean Strickland. This comes after the latter continues to advocate for his title shot, especially after Khamzat Chimaev’s win at UFC 308.
The story behind this response traces back to their razor-thin battle at UFC 297, where Du Plessis claimed the belt from Strickland via a split decision. Since then, both fighters have stayed active. Strickland secured a win over Paulo Costa, and Du Plessis successfully defended his crown. Du Plessis talked about his upcoming fight in an interview with TMZ Sports.
“Finish your fights”
The natural progression would suggest a rematch, especially after UFC CEO Dana White hinted at Strickland being next in line for a title shot. But then came UFC 308, and with it, Khamzat Chimaev’s dominant victory over Robert Whittaker. The landscape shifted dramatically, as it often does in the fight game, and Du Plessis’s attention turned toward the undefeated Chechen warrior.
The situation highlights a fascinating aspect of modern MMA – the delicate balance between sporting merit and entertainment value. While Strickland’s recent victory keeps him in the conversation, Du Plessis seems more intrigued by the challenge of facing someone who hasn’t tasted defeat in the octagon.
Dricus Du Plessis Hopes To Take Away Khamzat Chimaev’s Perfect Record
Chimaev has been on an absolute tear through the UFC, most recently dispatching former champion Robert Whittaker in a performance that left the MMA world buzzing. ‘Stillknocks’ has his sights set on this particularly ambitious target.
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While casually sipping a beer during a recent Radio Raps interview, Dricus Du Plessis revealed his desire to face the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. He seemed particularly motivated by the prospect of being the first to defeat Chimaev.
“That is a fight that gets me more excited. Taking somebody’s O. I have beaten Strickland before… Getting that Khamzat fight, that gets me excited.”
Dricus du Plessis says he believes Khamzat Chimaev should get the next title shot over Sean Strickland
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 30, 2024
🎥 @RadioRaps #UFC #MMA
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It’s refreshing to see a champion actively seeking out the toughest possible challenge rather than looking for safer defenses. This shows that the MMA community has largely rallied behind this potential matchup, with many seeing it as the most compelling fight in the division.
Also Read: Khamzat Chimaev’s Jaw-Breaking Victory Sends Sean Strickland Into Frenzy As He DMs UFC Veteran
