Dricus du Plessis reveals he would rather face Khamzat Chimaev than Sean Strickland at UFC 312

Dricus Du Plessis (left) wanted to face Khamzat Shimaev (dir.) in UFC 312 (Photo: Montage/SUPER FIGHTS)

Last Saturday (7) when the UFC 310 was still happening, the organization revealed that the main fight of the UFC 312, which takes place on February 8th in Australia, it will be the revenge of Dricus du Plessis against Sean Strickland, for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg). It is the second meeting between the two, after du Plessis defeated Strickland by split decision last February at UFC 297 to claim the belt.

However, many fans would like to see du Plessis face another opponent in the Octagon: Khamzat Shimaev. The rising Russian remains undefeated in the organization with 14 victories and his latest victim was the former champion Robert whittaker, which was finished in the first round.

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But lo and behold. Du Plessis also wanted to face Chimaev instead of Strickland. At least that's what he said in a post made this Tuesday (10) on his 'X' (formerly Twitter) account.

“Just to clarify, I would have preferred the Khamzat fight, but the rematch [against Strickland] is a much-desired fight before Khamzat vs Whittaker. I am not unhappy with the UFC’s decision, as I said, I will fight the man the fans think is the next best guy they promised him the fight, so that’s Strickland,” du Plessis wrote. (see below)

Just for clarification I preferred the Khamzat fight but the rematch is a fight most wanted before Khamzat vs Withaker. I'm not unhappy with the UFC's decision like I said I'll fight the man fans think is the next best guy he was promised the fight so Strickland it is.

— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) December 10, 2024

Although du Plessis and Strickland fought to a close decision in their first meeting, an immediate rematch was not scheduled. Du Plessis successfully defended his title against Israel adesanya No. UFC 305 , while Strickland maintained his place in the lineup of contenders with a win over Paulo Costa in the UFC 302. After these victories, the organization's president, Dana White, told reporters that he was planning a new meeting between du Plessis and Strickland.

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