Dricus Du Plessis reveals ‘bad timing’ forced UFC to rematch Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 312
Dricus Du Plessis addressed UFC snubbing Khamzat Chimaev by booking a rematch against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in 2025.
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Dricus Du Plessis explains why UFC booked rematch with Sean Strickland over Khamzat Chimaev (Image via Imago)
It has been almost four months since middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis last defended his title. The 30-year-old fighter has enjoyed a fantastic run in 2024, winning the middleweight crown against Sean Strickland at UFC 297, and then defending his crown against Israel Adesanya. Now he is set to rematch Strickland in 2025, after a year from their first outing. However, the booking of this rematch seemed quite shocking, as fans were leaning towards UFC star Khamzat Chimaev getting the title shot.
Even the South African native Dricus Du Plessis had dropped various hints towards this booking before the official announcement. Speaking with the Main Event TV, DDP touched upon the shocking snub of Chimaev. “Still knocks” revealed UFC indeed came to negotiate for the mega-fight with ‘Borz’ for UFC 312. However, certain undisclosed out of competition hurdles made the booking not possible.
It was on the table for sure…We talked about it. It wasn’t from my side; it was all from his side that the fight didn’t happen. I think there were some issues with the UFC and Khamzat; I am not sure and timing; I think timing played a big role, but there were conversations. I said that’s the fight I want, so let’s do it and they couldn’t make it happen, so Strickland is the fight they did.
Dricus Du Plessis via Exclusive Interview for Main Event TV
Khamzat’s impressive performance at UFC 308 against former champion Robert Whittaker really set the tone for this mega-fight. No one apart from Chimaev has made short work of ‘Reaper,’ making him an ideal contender for middleweight gold. Borz’ excellent performance certainly impressed DDP, as he promptly called him out for a fight. He even offered a scathing prediction, should the two ever collide.
Dricus du Plessis says that a fight between him and Khamzat Chimaev was “on the table”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 11, 2024
“I think there was some issues with the UFC and Khamzat, and timing also played a big role.”
🎥 @MainEventTV #UFC312 #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/ZhDAsRBzRq
DDP and Chimaev have been trading shots at one another after UFC 308. The South African champion is now set to rematch Strickland for title, and is looking to finish the job this time around. Chimaev is rumored to attend the UFC 312 card, and Du Plessis has just the idea of what he intends to do next.
Dricus Du Plessis wants Khamzat Chimaev next in 2025 after UFC 312
DDP is known to take on every name UFC puts in front of him without a second thought. The 30-year-old star is heading into his career’s second title defense with a looming threat of ‘Borz’ lurking around.
In the same interview, DDP pressed upon the budding rumors and offered his reaction. Ranked number 3 in the roster, Chimaev is the only undefeated prospect in the top 5. He already has registered wins over other top ranked contenders, and ‘Borz’ becomes the natural next option. This is something Du Plessis also agrees with and intends to settle his score with the Russian in 2025.
The rumors has it that Khamzat will be in attendance for the fight against Strickland on the 8th of February. Don’t know how true that is but if that’s the case, I guess that’s going to be the next fight. I am gonna beat Sean Strickland then Khamzat will be next.
Dricus Du Plessis via Main Event TV
Du Plessis already believes the mega fight with the Russian fighter is going to be absolute chaos. While addressing the possible match-up, he drew a comparison between their strength, dubbing Borz as an ordinary gun to his armored tank. All roads from UFC 312 leads to Chimaev no matter who comes out with their hands raised. It is up to Dana White to come up with a date for his return.
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Ayank Chourasia
(91 Articles Published)