Dricus Du Plessis Slams Khamzat Chimaev for Making Excuses After Losing to Sean Strickland

Former champion Dricus Du Plessis calls out Khamzat Chimaev's weight excuses after first ever loss at UFC 328

Dricus Du Plessis Slams Khamzat Chimaev for Making Excuses After Losing to Sean Strickland

Dricus Du Plessis calls out Khamzat Chimaev (via Instagram, MMA Mania)

Dricus du Plessis cemented himself as a UFC middleweight mainstay by defeating Sean Strickland to capture the championship. He later lost the title to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319, ending his impressive reign atop the division. As he prepares for his return, Du Plessis has weighed in on the current middleweight picture while criticizing Chimaev following his recent title loss to Strickland at UFC 328.

‘DDP’ last competed at UFC 319 in August 2025, where Chimaev defeated him by unanimous decision in the main event. The loss ended Du Plessis’ middleweight title reign after the Chechen superstar controlled much of the five-round championship contest. He has remained sidelined since that defeat and is now set to face former champion Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Oklahoma City.

However, Chimaev next faced Strickland at UFC 328 after winning the middleweight title from Du Plessis. Although many expected him to retain the belt, Strickland outpointed the previously unbeaten champion with his unorthodox striking and relentless pressure. The Australian star had predicted that outcome beforehand and is now criticizing Chimaev for making excuses following the UFC 328 defeat.

It’s wasn’t even that much weight, that’s discipline that’s on you. There’s no excuse when you step in there. Nothing makes me lose respect like an excuse.

Dricus Du Plessis via FULL SEND MMA

Ahead of UFC 328, UFC lightweight Arman Tsarukyan revealed Chimaev would cut nearly 45 pounds for the fight. The demanding weight cut reportedly left Chimaev struggling to make the middleweight limit. He also appeared visibly drained at the official weigh-ins before losing the title to Strickland.

Du Plessis was not alone in questioning Chimaev’s team’s explanation for the massive weight cut before UFC 328. UFC veteran Chael Sonnen also challenged the claims, arguing there was no way Chimaev could shed nearly 45 pounds in such a short period. He suggested the reported figures did not add up.

However, Tsarukyan later clarified the situation surrounding Chimaev’s weight cut after UFC 328. He insisted ‘Borz’ officially made weight, explaining the UFC verifies every fighter backstage before the official weigh-in. Tsarukyan maintained there was no possibility Chimaev exceeded the middleweight limit.

Du Plessis owns two victories over Strickland, first edging him by split decision at UFC 297 to capture the middleweight title. He later defended the championship with a unanimous decision win in their rematch at UFC 312, reaffirming his status as one of the division’s elite before eventually losing the belt.

Khamzat Chimaev is pushing for an immediate rematch with Sean Strickland, believing he can reclaim the middleweight title. It remains unclear whether the UFC will grant that request. Meanwhile, Du Plessis could earn another title shot by defeating Kamaru Usman in the UFC Oklahoma City main event.

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Dricus Du Plessis reacts to the unfortunate ending of the UFC 329 main event

The MMA world came to a standstill as Conor McGregor returned at UFC 329 after a five-year layoff from competition. The Irish superstar remains the UFC’s biggest pay-per-view draw, holding multiple PPV records. His long-awaited comeback had been anticipated for years across the sport.

However, McGregor’s return ended in disappointment after he suffered a knee injury against Max Holloway at UFC 329. The bout lasted only 69 seconds in the first round before the injury forced a stoppage. The setback prevented the former champion from completing his long-awaited comeback.

Joe Rogan gets stunned after learning about Dricus Du Plessis's skin chances to beat Khamzat Chimaev
Dricus Du Plessis (via X)

Ahead of UFC 329, Dricus du Plessis shared his prediction for McGregor’s return. Du Plessis backed McGregor despite respecting Holloway’s abilities, believing the former two-division champion could still deliver a strong performance. He later came to the Irishman’s defense after the injury setback.

I feel bad for the guy, I mean as a fellow fighter you never want to see that… People are giving him so much flack for it, but it could have happened to Max (Holloway), it could have happened to anyone. People are just bitter because they were looking forwards to the fight so much and this happened… Imagine what he feels like, you know, it’s horrible… This sport does not care for whether he finishes or comes back.

Dricus Du Plessis via Submission Radio

Du Plessis has shown clear admiration for McGregor and views the Irish superstar as a major inspiration. ‘Stillknocks’ has also adopted similar trash talk and mental tactics before his fights. It remains to be seen if those methods will prove successful when he faces Kamaru Usman at UFC Oklahoma City.

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