UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis observed Khamzat Chimaev potentially becoming the new No. 1 contender after defeating Robert Whittaker, and despite a planned rematch with Sean Strickland, there is speculation that Chimaev may now be his next opponent.
UFC middleweight champ Dricus du Plessis was all eyes on his division Saturday. He watched as Khamzat Chimaev possibly claimed the No. 1 contender spot at 185 pounds.
Chimaev’s rise coincided with Robert Whittaker’s fall. Whittaker’s championship dreams might’ve shattered—literally—after a brutal submission at UFC 308 left his jaw and teeth in pieces. For du Plessis, this was a big deal: Whittaker was the guy he beat to get his title shot. Now, Chimaev might be next in line.
“Feel really sorry for Rob,” du Plessis tweeted. “He looked super ready, but this is the fight game. Well done on a good performance, Khamzat. That being said, I can’t wait to take your ‘O.'”
Feel really sorry for Rob he looked super ready but this is the fight game well done on a good performance Khamzat
That being said I can’t wait to take your 0— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis)
With Saturday’s results, du Plessis might’ve found his next opponent. He’s expected to face Sean Strickland again in early 2025, though.
Strickland became the No. 1 contender after defeating Paulo Costa. But Chimaev’s recent performance could’ve leapfrogged him right into contention.
Even UFC CEO Dana White seemed uncertain about Strickland’s future after Chimaev’s first-round victory over Whittaker.
“That’s a good question,” White mused when asked about du Plessis’ next opponent. “Call me on Tuesday.”
Chimaev’s win turned heads, and it could set up a huge pay-per-view event. The UFC might just put Strickland aside and start promoting “Stillknocks” vs. “Borz” ASAP.
To add insult to injury for Strickland, du Plessis retweeted hype about a potential fight with Chimaev, captioning it as “this is the fight.”