The first PPV of the year ended with a bang, featuring top-tier, thrilling matchups. Fans are now eagerly carrying that same excitement into the second PPV of the year, which will be headlined by a middleweight title fight between reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis and challenger Sean Strickland. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev has his sights set on a title shot against the winner of the Strickland vs. Du Plessis bout.
Chimaev is one of the top contenders for a title shot. Recently, ‘Borz’ revealed his expectations to fight for the title in May or June against either Dricus Du Plessis or Sean Strickland. Confident in his ability to claim the belt, Chimaev also plans to defend his title in Abu Dhabi this October. In a recent interview with Aslanbek Badaev, Chimaev stated:
“After the Strickland vs. Du Plessis fight, I will have a fight in May or June against the champion, and then fight in October in Abu Dhabi, win and defend the belt, those are the plans for this year.”
🏆 Khamzat Chimaev expects to fight for the title in May/June against Dricus Du Plessis or Sean Strickland.
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) January 23, 2025
Chimaev then plans to defend his title in Abu Dhabi in October:
“After the Strickland vs. Du Plessis fight, I will have a fight in May or June against the champion, and… pic.twitter.com/3d9zIohvJ5
However, fans will first witness the highly anticipated Strickland vs. Du Plessis title fight. This bout marks a rematch, as Strickland previously lost his middleweight belt to ‘Stillknocks.’ The rematch has generated significant hype, with Strickland aiming to avenge his loss and reclaim the title.
Israel Adesanya Reacts To Khamzat Chimaev’s Win Over Robert Whittaker
After two title fight losses, Israel Adesanya is set to face Nassourdine Imavov on February 1 in Saudi Arabia. However, Adesanya admitted he wanted a fight with Khamzat Chimaev instead. Reflecting on Chimaev’s dominant win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, Adesanya said on his YouTube channel, FREESTYLEBENDER:
“I was surprised [by] the way Khamzat ran through Rob [Robert Whittaker]. That was crazy. That made me want to fight him. I was like, ‘S*it! This guy is really really good.'”
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Chimaev is currently focused on earning a middleweight title shot, which means Israel Adesanya may have to wait for a potential clash with “Borz.” With no updates yet on Chimaev’s next opponent or fight plans, fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of his title shot.
Also Read: Khamzat Chimaev Fires Back After Getting Dragged By UFC Champ Dricus Du Plessis
