UFC 'Pirate' Declares Support for Khamzat Chimaev, Gets Ironic Response from Champion

UFC pirate confirms favoritism, applies cinematic knockout and challenges Adesanya. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC News

Despite having the middleweight title (up to 83,9 kg) with two defenses, Dricus Du Plessis has not yet convinced everyone about his technical capabilities. This time, the one who questioned the champion's level was the 'Pirate' Shara Magomedov, who, in addition, declared support for Khamzat Shimaev, likely next challenger to the South African's belt.

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“I will be happy if Du Plessis loses the belt. I don't understand how he can be the champion. I hope Khamzat shows the same levels. It's stupid but Du Plessis seems so lucky,” Shara said in a statement to 'Sport24'.

Dricus' response came in an ironic way on social media. In a series of posts on 'X' (formerly Twitter), the South African made puns to satirize the fact that the "Pirate" was blind in one eye.

“If we lived in a world where it was an eye for an eye, Shara would be king… Between Khamzat and Shara, there are only three senses: touch, smell and hearing,” wrote the middleweight champion.

Dricus Du Plessis became champion by defeating Sean Strickland in January 2024. In August, he defended his title against Israel adesanya and, in February 2025, won his second defense of the win Strickland again. Now, the South African is set to face Khamzat Shimaev, but there is no set date yet.