Surprise! Dricus du Plessis rules out Strickland and wants to face Chimaev for the UFC title

Dricus Du Plessis finished Israel adesanya. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

Dricus du Plessis surprised by expressing the desire to face Khamzat Shimaev in his next UFC middleweight (up to 83,9 kg) belt defense. In an interview with the YouTube channel 'RadioRaps', the South African declared that the fight against the Swede is the one that excites him the most at the moment. He leaves aside the possibility of a rematch against Sean Strickland, his old rival.

“We always knew that if something exceptional happened between Rob Whittaker and Khamzat (Chimaev) there could be a change in the title fight. We are not clear on that, but as a fan of the sport and a champion, this is a fight that I am most excited about, taking the zero from someone,” said Du Plessis.

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The South African, however, justified his choice by stating that he has already defeated Strickland and believes he would beat him again. He also says that 'the world wants to see' his fight with Khamzat.

“I think the whole world wants to see it. Fans pay to watch fights, so the fight that the world thinks is the best fight, that’s what I want. The Khamzat fight is 100 percent what I want. I’ve beaten Strickland before and I know I’ll beat him again. I think the UFC will do what they have to do, but from the perspective of the fans and the fighters, I think Khamzat should get the next chance,” he concluded.

Dricus du Plessis, 30 years old, has a record of 22 wins and two losses in MMA. In his career, he has beaten names such as Robert whittaker, Israel adesanya e Sean Strickland, and now seeks to consolidate his reign in the UFC middleweight division.