The middleweight title has changed hands numerous times in the past 2 years. But it is with Dricus Du Plessis where the strap rests now. With one title defense to his name, DDP has established himself as a true champion. In his last outing, the South African native managed to put away Israel Adesanya in the fourth round. Following it up, Khamzat Chimaev made a statement of his own with an easy victory over Robert Whittaker.
More likely than not, Khamzat Chimaev has poised himself as a clear fan favorite, but it looks like the UFC machine is not onboard with the idea. White praised ‘Borz’ for making short work of the former world champion. But despite the incredible performance, White is leaning toward Sean Strickland rematching DDP.
Strickland has held the title once in the past, beating Adesanya at UFC 293. But the American fighter failed to defend his throne against DDP in a close fight. Strickland shares a bitter rivalry with Russian fighter Chimaev as the duo continues to trade barbs. During the lead-up to the UFC 308 fight, Chimaev spilled inside details of training with Strickland. Now taking to X, ‘Borz’ has teased champion Du Plessis with a viral Donald Trump picture.
@dricusduplessis 👀 pic.twitter.com/WnwpYp3h7o
— Khamzat Chimaev (@KChimaev) December 2, 2024
Naturally, the outspoken UFC star ensured to fire back at his rival for linking up with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. Furthermore, he attacked the Russian martial artist for allegedly partaking in crypto scams. This long-staying rivalry over UFC gold might not see an end soon. However, middleweight champion DDP has made his thoughts clear about the next number one contender.
Dricus Du Plessis is spotted training with Khamzat Chimaev lookalike
The 30-year-old champion seems to have made his choice known for his next fight. The African mixed martial artist has already beaten Strickland once. Now, the champion is hoping to fight ‘Borz,’ who is largely seen as a fan favorite. Calling for the clash with number 3 ranked contender, DDP has been spotted training with his lookalike.
Dricus Du Plessis teases Khamzat Chimaev fight by training with a lookalike (Image via Instagram)Speaking with Submission radio, DDP offered his reaction to Chimaev’s last outing. Both ‘Stillknocks’ and ‘Borz’ have finished Whittaker in their respective matches. However, no one has managed to make it look so easy as Chimaev. DDP promised his fans that they will see an enhanced version of him upon his return.
So far, UFC has not offered any updates on the middleweight picture heading into the holiday season. Interestingly, the promotion has been announcing fights for UFC 311 and 312, one of which could feature a middleweight title clash. Thus far, Dana White’steam has been tight-lipped about the headliners for the opening cards of 2025.
