Dricus Du Plessis: Khamzat Chimaev title shot after UFC 297 'makes absolutely no sense'

TORONTO – Khamzat Chimaev’s subsequent combat received’t be for the UFC middleweight title if Dricus Du Plessis has something to say about it.

Du Plessis (20-2 MMA, 6-0 UFC) is ready to problem Sean Strickland (28-5 MMA, 15-5 UFC) for the 185-pound belt within the UFC 297 most important occasion on Jan. 20 at Scotiabank Area, and Chimaev is without doubt one of the names ready within the wings to combat the winner.

The unbeaten Chimaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC) was named as the subsequent title contender when he defeated Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October, however has since revealed a lingering hand damage and different well being problems prevented him from getting the title combat.

Extra lately, although, Chimaev mentioned he expects to face Strickland subsequent popping out of UFC 297, however Du Plessis clearly disagrees, and sees a extra logical matchup for a possible first protection.

“So far as I do know Khamzat’s a welterweight,” Du Plessis advised MMA Junkie. “What middleweight did he combat? He fought at middleweight, however he fought a welterweight (in Usman). Gerald Meerschaert? When was that? Was he even ranked? No, he wasn’t ranked. So, that makes completely no sense.

“The UFC promised him a title combat? The place on the planet does that occur? And he says he’s combating Strickland. No, you’re not. If there’s a champion, when you get a title shot, I’m the champion. You’re not going to get a title shot. And Israel Adesanya? That is sensible.”

Du Plessis, 29, mentioned his objective as UFC champion is to be “unapologetically myself.” A part of that’s vocalizing his opinions on the state of the load class.

Which course the UFC brass desires to go if Du Plessis claims gold of their upcoming pay-per-view headliner stays to be seen. However finally it’s not of a lot concern in the mean time. He’s solely centered on successful the subsequent combat and is assured the long run will play out in his favor.

“This combat, identical to each different combat, has consumed me,” Du Plessis mentioned. “The title has at all times been the subsequent step. Step nearer to the title and nearer to the title. Proper now my step, the one large step – however removed from the ultimate step – is combating for that belt. In my thoughts, my complete life can cease on that evening. I’ll win or I’ll die making an attempt. My life and my thoughts stops after that combat.

“After that combat, my complete life is in entrance of me. This, to me, is the top for me, as a result of this has been the objective for such a very long time. This objective. I don’t actually care what occurs after that for now. I’ll begin excited about what occurs after that after we get there. Then my planning begins with the remainder of my profession. I’m actually excited for that half, as a result of it’s much more spectacular. However for now, that is the top of Dricus not as a champion. That ends subsequent week. Saturday.”

For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 297.