Dricus Du Plessis (left) wanted to face Khamzat Chimaev (right) at UFC 312 (Photo: Montage/SUPER LUTAS)
Last Saturday (7) when UFC 310 was still happening, the organization revealed that the main fight of UFC 312 , which takes place on February 8 in Australia , will be the rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland , for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg). It is the second meeting between the two, after du Plessis beat Strickland by split decision last February at UFC 297 to claim the belt.
However, many fans would like to see du Plessis facing another opponent in the octagon: Khamzat Chimaev . The rising Russian remains undefeated in the organization with 14 wins and his last victim was former champion Robert Whittaker , who was submitted in the first round.
See too
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 fight against Khamzat, but the rematch [against Strickland] is a highly desired fight before Khamzat vs Whittaker. I’m not unhappy with the UFC’s decision, as I said, I’m going to fight the man the fans think is the next best guy they’ve been promised a fight, so that’s Strickland,” wrote du Plessis. (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 encounter, an immediate rematch was not scheduled. Du Plessis successfully defended his title against Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 , while Strickland maintained his place in the contender lineup with a victory over Paulo Costa at UFC 302. Following these wins, the organization's president, Dana White, told reporters that he was planning a rematch between du Plessis and Strickland.
UFC 310 coverage is sponsored by BK8
Bigger and More Reliable, BK8 is the official sponsor of UFC 310 coverage . Official partner of Premier League clubs like Burnley and Aston Villa. BK8 is a sports betting platform that offers a welcome bonus of 100% up to R$500 and a risk-free first bet.
Visit the website , check the terms and conditions, make your first deposit using PIX , and take advantage of the risk-free betting promotion.
Exclusive: Michael PQD talks about his brutal UFC debut victory.
You need to log in to comment.