The UFC middleweight division is buzzing as Dricus Du Plessis prepares to face Khamzat Chimaev. Du Plessis is looking to show that he deserves a title fight, and Chimaev’s recent inactivity could cost him his title hopes.
With tensions running high and a fight in the future, could Chimaev’s layoff be affecting his chances of becoming champion? Let’s look at the major points in the Du Plessis vs Chimaev fight and what it means for each fighter.
Chimaev’s Unexpected Message and Du Plessis’ Reaction
Khamzat Chimaev’s surprising “GOOD MORNING” message to Dricus du Plessis on X has triggered a strong reaction from the South African middleweight champion.
The message was a seemingly harmless joke after a tough workout, but du Plessis clearly was not amused. He shot back with a mere “Brother, Eww,” expressing his disgust at Chimaev’s relaxed demeanor.
Du Plessis vs Chimaev is shaping up to be an explosive showdown, with the South African champion dismissing any friendly talk and making it known he is focused on fighting Chimaev next.
Du Plessis has openly expressed his wish to fight Chimaev, calling him out after winning at UFC 312. He doesn’t take Chimaev’s playful actions as a serious indication of a title fight. Instead, Du Plessis is set on facing Chimaev next, regardless of their fun banter online.
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Chimaev’s Inactivity: A Roadblock for Title Aspirations
Khamzat Chimaev’s time away from the octagon is a big obstacle to his goal of winning the UFC middleweight title, especially with the upcoming Du Plessis vs Chimaev match.
Although Chimaev is well-known for his impressive fights and undefeated status, his inconsistent fight schedule and long breaks from the octagon have led to doubts about whether he is ready for a title shot.
Du Plessis has also taken shots at Chimaev’s failed attempts to win the welterweight title, hinting that he may not succeed at 185 pounds either.
Du Plessis’ Plans: Chimaev First, Pereira on the Horizon
Dricus Du Plessis is focused on becoming the undisputed champion of the UFC middleweight division. He has a clear goal: fight Chimaev first, then look to Pereira. After his commanding victory at UFC 312, Du Plessis set his sights on Khamzat Chimaev, challenging him to be his next opponent.
Du Plessis is firmly focused on Chimaev, pointing out the Russian’s lack of consistency and his inability to win the welterweight title. He feels the middleweight title is within his reach and wants to demonstrate that Chimaev’s hype won’t result in a championship win.
“I want to make sure that this belt, that this middleweight title, that there is no question that I’m the GOAT of the middleweight division.”
The Du Plessis vs Chimaev rivalry is heating up, with the South African determined to silence any doubts about his place at the top of the division.
While Du Plessis is concentrating on Chimaev, he is already thinking about his next big fight. He is interested in facing former champion Alex Pereira, who recently lost his middleweight title to Israel Adesanya.
“I want to beat that guy. I’ve beaten Adesanya, who’s beaten him. I know I can beat him at 205 (pounds), 100 percent,” said the South African fighter.
Du Plessis feels that winning against Pereira would be an important achievement in his path to success, particularly because Pereira has a win over Adesanya.
Furthermore, the MMA community is giving both fighters a 50-50 chance, but many have taken a side. Like the two-weight Champion, Daniel Cormier is backing Khamzat Chimaev.
“Khamzat will be the favorite on most scorecards if they put him and Dricus Du Plessis matched up right now, that is how good he’s looked in every.”
The community favorite Borz boasts 46% precision on an average of 4.31 takedowns, whereas the South African has an average of 2.55, defending 50% of his takedowns.
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