South African UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has expressed a clear preference for his next title defense to be against rising contender Khamzat Chimaev, rather than a rematch with former champion Sean Strickland. Du Plessis’s position highlights both his competitive mindset and the influence of fan demand in shaping the direction of the middleweight division.
Du Plessis first captured the middleweight belt at UFC 297 in Toronto, where he narrowly edged out Strickland in a split decision that sparked heated debate among fans and analysts. The victory established Du Plessis as the division’s new titleholder, and he has since successfully defended his crown, securing a decisive fourth-round submission over former champion Israel Adesanya in Australia. This win further cemented his place atop the division, intensifying interest in who would be next to challenge the South African fighter.
While UFC President Dana White initially voiced support for a Strickland rematch, Chimaev’s recent victory at UFC 308 has generated a surge of fan interest. In a dominant performance, Chimaev defeated former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker in the first round, marking himself as a formidable and undefeated challenger who could bring fresh excitement to the title picture. Fans, captivated by Chimaev’s performance, have since rallied for him to receive the next title shot.
Du Plessis appears to share this view, acknowledging Chimaev’s impressive showcase against Whittaker as a compelling reason for him to be considered the next challenger.
“We always knew between Rob and Khamzat if there was going to be something exceptional that happens, there might be a change in the title fight,” Du Plessis said in an interview with MMA Fighting.
Although no official decision has been announced, Du Plessis believes a showdown with Chimaev would bring a unique level of excitement. The undefeated record of Chimaev, who has not yet been tested in the UFC’s middleweight division title picture, makes him a particularly intriguing opponent for the reigning champion.
“We have no clarity on that, but as a fan of the sport and as the middleweight champion of the world, that’s a fight that gets me more excited, taking somebody’s 0,”
Du Plessis commented, hinting at his eagerness to challenge Chimaev’s unbeaten record.
For Du Plessis, a potential rematch with Strickland lacks the same appeal, as he has already secured a victory against him. Confident in his ability to defeat Strickland once more if necessary, Du Plessis expressed that a fight with Chimaev resonates more strongly with fans.
“I’ve beaten Strickland before, and I know I’ll beat him again. Getting that Khamzat fight, that gets me excited, I think the whole world wants to see it,”
he stated, adding that fan enthusiasm plays a crucial role in determining his desired matchups.
The UFC’s decision-making process ultimately rests on multiple factors, but Du Plessis made it clear that both his perspective as a fighter and the enthusiasm of fans support a fight with Chimaev as the next logical step.
“The fans ultimately pay to watch the fights, so the fight the world thinks is the best next fight, that’s what I want. So I think the Khamzat fight is 100 percent what I want,”
Du Plessis emphasized, underscoring his alignment with fans’ preferences.
Reflecting on the UFC’s operational discretion, he concluded by acknowledging the organization’s authority while reiterating his viewpoint as both a champion and a fan.
“The UFC is going to do what they’re going to do, but from a fan perspective and from a fighter’s perspective, I think Khamzat should get the next shot,”
Du Plessis remarked.
