Dricus du Plessis targets Khamzat Chimaev for the next title defense after UFC 312

Dr Blessis made it clear that his next goal in the octagon is Khamzat Chimaev, rejecting any guess to go up before solidifying Middleweight’s reign.

Following his dominant victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 312, the newcomer champion addressed his next move, prioritizing a clash with Chimaev over a possible superiority with light heavy heavy champion Alex Pereira.

“Khamzat is next. I want to make sure this zone – the Middleweight title – there is no doubt that I am the goat of the Middleweight section,” Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis did no secret to his intentions, stressing that before he considers any move in lightweight heavyweight, he wants to clarify his division and cement his inheritance.

“They are not rushing to this. My next match is not Alex Pereira, no, no, no, I want this fight against Khamzat Next, I think it’s worth hiding,” he added.

Chimaev, known for his aggressive battle style and his undefeated record, was vocal for his desire to challenge the Middleweight title.

Following the victory of Du Plessis in Strickland, Chimaev took the social media with multiple positions addressing South African champion. During the main event, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter): “The biggest bull **** is this match.”

Du Plessis recognized the online activity, implying that all Chimaev’s tweets do not come directly.

“I have seen his tweets, usually when it makes sense, is his agent when he doesn’t do it. You know that really tweeted,” Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis also touched a possible superiority with King UFC Lightweight heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

“I want to share the Octagon with Alex Pereira. I know I can beat him at 205, 100%, but first, I have to handle businesses in Middleweight,” he said.

With Du Plessis’s victory over Strickland, the Middleweight section remains as competitive as ever. His statement that Chimaev then sets the scene on what could be one of the most expected struggles in the history of the department.