UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis stored a watchful eye over his division on Saturday when he witnessed Khamzat Chimaev probably turn into the brand new No. 1 contender at 185 kilos.
Chimaev’s ascension ran parallel to Robert Whittaker’s demise after he noticed his championship window probably shut for good when his jaw and enamel have been shattered following a nasty submission that ended his evening at UFC 308. Each had an influence on du Plessis with Whittaker serving because the individual he beat to earn his personal title shot whereas it’s fully potential that Chimaev now turns into the following challenger at 185 kilos.
“Really feel actually sorry for Rob,” du Plessis wrote on Twitter. “He appeared tremendous prepared however that is the battle recreation. Nicely achieved on a superb efficiency, Khamzat. That being mentioned I can’t wait to take your ‘O.’”
Really feel actually sorry for Rob he appeared tremendous prepared however that is the battle recreation effectively achieved on a superb efficiency Khamzat
That being mentioned I can’t wait to take your 0— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) October 27, 2024
Contemplating the outcomes on Saturday, du Plessis could have discovered his subsequent opponent, though he’s been anticipated to conflict with Sean Strickland in a rematch someday in early 2025.
Strickland earned his spot because the No. 1 contender with a choice win over Paulo Costa nevertheless it’s powerful to disclaim that Chimaev could have simply jumped the road along with his efficiency.
Even UFC CEO Dana White wasn’t able to decide to Strickland on Saturday after watching what Chimaev did to Whittaker inside the primary spherical.
“That’s a superb query,” White mentioned when requested about who’s subsequent for du Plessis. “Name me on Tuesday.”
Given the eye that Chimaev’s win obtained and the potential for a blockbuster battle that might promote an entire lot of pay-per-views, the UFC would possibly simply sit Strickland down and start hyping up “Stillknocks” vs. “Borz” straight away.
To make issues worse for Strickland, the reigning UFC middleweight champion additionally retweeted a message hyping up a possible battle between him at Chimaev with the caption saying “that is the battle.”
