Du Plessis Discusses Next Steps after Dominant Title Defense
Dricus du Plessis made his second title defense on Saturday, February 8th at UFC 312, with an emphatic decision win over former champion Sean Strickland. Judges gave him the win in their first fight by split decision, leading many to believe he was undeserving of the victory. He silenced those critics in the rematch, with only one judge giving a single round to the challenger. Du Plessis won 50-45 on the other two scorecards and also shattered Strickland’s nose in the fourth round. After settling the lingering controversy, all eyes look toward the champion’s next test. The heir apparent to challenge for the throne is Khamzat Chimaev. At a perfect 14-0 coming off huge wins over Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker, there is nobody else with a legitimate claim to cut him in line.
Dricus Addresses Potential Showdown with Chimaev
After the win, Dricus du Plessis used his time on the mic to call out LHW Champion Alex Pereira. However, in his post-fight press conference, he clarified his ambitions saying point-blank, “No, Khamzat’s first…I want to leave no question that I’m the GOAT [at Middleweight].” There was no conflict with that vision from Dana White’s end either, with the boss acknowledging the Chimaev fight would be huge and neglecting to address the call-out. So while a chance to face off with Poatan for double-champ status is very much on Dricus’ radar, there is little doubt that Khamzat is next. The match-up would constitute a massive test for du Plessis and an immense opportunity for Chimaev.
The Path to Victory and the Places it Leads
The champion went on to share specific thoughts on the match-up with Khamzat Chimaev, addressing potential tactics as well as his preference for where the fight could take place. In terms of preferred location, Dricus doubled down on long-voiced aspirations to headline a card in his home country of South Africa.
“The Khamzat fight, as big as it’s gonna be, obviously International Fight Week would be amazing. But what is International Fight Week if I could do this in Africa? I don’t even care. I would take a Fight Night in South Africa over International Fight Week.”
However, when the topic was pursued further, he changed tack a bit, especially given that Chimaev may have visa issues fighting in many countries.
“I’ll take him in a PPV in Saudi [Arabia] for sure! 100%. In fact, I would prefer that. To beat him and conquer another place? Yeah, perfect.”
He was then asked how much of a challenge Khamzat would be, and how he would try to beat him. Dricus indicated he would like to beat Chimaev at his own game, saying “Yeah, I’ll just out-wrestle him. Yeah, that’s the gameplan, sounds good.” It remains to be seen whether the champ is perhaps being a bit facetious, as wrestling is clearly Khamzat’s best path to victory. But it would certainly make a massive statement to out-wrestle the man many believe to be the best grappler in the world at 185.
However the fight plays out, and wherever it takes place, here’s hoping we get to see it this year. Without question it’s the best fight currently available at Middleweight (barring an extremely unlikely return to 185 from Alex Pereira). The clash will represent a huge test and opportunity for both fighters, and a delight for fight fans worldwide.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
