“Both think about me” – Khamzat Chimaev fires back at ‘scared’ Dricus Du Plessis for comments about undeserving title shot

Dricus Du Plessis is scheduled to face Sean Strickland for the UFC middleweight championship at UFC 297. He has recently denied the possibility of Khamzat Chimaev receiving a title chance following the event. Du Plessis, who has a 6-0 UFC run, expressed his strong sentiments in an interview with MMA Junkie. Khamzat Chimaev had some choice words for the South African’s comments.

In the interview, Dricus Du Plessis voiced doubts about Chimaev’s readiness for a middleweight championship opportunity. He pointed out that he has exclusively competed in the welterweight class. He raised his eyebrows at the notion that the UFC had guaranteed Chimaev a title shot. This is what he had to say:

As far as I know Khamzat’s a welterweight... The UFC promised him a title fight? Where in the world does that happen? If there’s a champion, if you get a title shot, I’m the champion. You’re not going to get a title shot. And Israel Adesanya? That makes sense.

Dricus Du Plessis via MMA Junkie

Khamzat Chimaev has a perfect record of 13-0 in MMA and 7-0 in the UFC. He was initially dubbed the next title contender after defeating Kamaru Usman at UFC 294. However, hand injuries and health difficulties stopped Chimaev from fighting for the title.

As the MMA world adopts Du Plessis’ strong attitude, it lays the groundwork for a possibly challenging post-UFC 297 situation. Du Plessis’ outspoken personality adds a fascinating element to the tale, building anticipation for the resolution of an unexpected storyline.

Khamzat Chimaev fires back at Dricus Du Plessis for his comments about him

Khamzat Chimaev has retaliated against middleweight contenders Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland, who are scheduled to battle each other at UFC 297. This comes after the statements implying that Chimaev is unworthy of a championship opportunity. The Chechen-born fighter, who is now rated ninth in the middleweight class, is adamant about challenging for the crown.

Chimaev’s reaction came after Du Plessis questioned Chimaev’s claim to the title shot. Du Plessis questioned Chimaev’s middleweight credentials. He emphasized that Chimaev predominantly faced welterweights, referencing his fight with Kamaru Usman, a former undisputed welterweight champion. This is what Khamzat Chimaev had to say about this:

They have a fight soon, but they both think about me, I didn’t know that I was scaring them so much.

Khamzat Chimaev via X

The exchange of words adds another element of drama and suspense to the already captivating tale heading up to UFC 297. As fight fans await the conclusion of the Du Plessis vs. Strickland fight and the resolution of the middleweight title situation, Chimaev’s strong claim assures that the focus stays squarely on him, regardless of the upcoming championship battle.

In case you missed it:

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• “I’m rocking with him now” – South African star Dricus Du Plessis praised for showing support to Palestine ahead of UFC 297

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