Khamzat Chimaev gets SNUBBED as UFC announces Dricus Du Plessis vs Sean Strickland for middleweight title fight

Sean Strickland gets the last laugh as UFC books rematch against Dricus Du Plessis over growing support for Khamzat Chimaev.

Khamzat Chimaev gets SNUBBED as UFC announces Dricus Du Plessis vs Sean Strickland for middleweight title fight

Sean Strickland gets the nod for title shot against Dricus Du Plessis over Khamzat Chimaev (Image via Imago)

Making the most of rare title opportunity is arguably the hardest thing to overcome given the immense pressure coupled with title implication. This is something Sean Strickland knows all too well, despite coming short against Dricus Du Plessis in his first title defense. Now, the UFC has booked their rematch for February 2025 despite the presence of Khamzat Chimaev.

The rematch between Strickland and DDP will take place on February 8, 2025. The UFC 312 title fight happens a year after their initial clash in January 2024. Since their first outing, DDP has managed to defend his title against Israel Adesanya, while Strickland put away Paulo Costa to maintain his status as the number 1 ranked contender. It appears the Chechen fighter will have to wait a while for his title shot.

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Conclusion of UFC 308 saw the rising contender Khazmat Chimaev getting a statement win against Robert Whittaker. The performance of that caliber put the Chechen fighter in spot to possibly leapfrog Strickland’s title shot. Even the champion ‘Stillknocks’ seemed interested in the matchup as he shared a post on X in his favor.

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Despite ‘Borz’ being inactive due to personal battles, he made an emphatic return at UFC 308. This earned him favors with fans and the UFC brass. Moreover, the middleweight champion also took shots at ‘Borz’ hinting the next bout. It looks like all those rumors can be put to bed with this announcement. But it doesn’t seem like the rivalry between the two contenders will come to a close anytime soon.

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‘Borz’ once enjoyed a few training sessions with Xtreme Couture gym, training alongside the likes of Chris Cutis and Strickland. Spilling the secrets of the training session with the American, Chimaev claimed to submit Strickland many times in the gym. This ignited their feud as the duo continues to add more fuel to the fire.

Khamzat Chimaev takes aim at Sean Strickland for inactivity
Khamzat Chimaev takes aim at Sean Strickland for inactivity (Image via Instagram)

Responding to Chimaev’s comments, Strickland took to his social media channels to layout an attack on ‘Borz’ for linking up with Chechen leader, Ramzan Khadrov. Responding to an ongoing feud, Chimaev shared a couple of post on X singling out his rival for being absent from the UFC.

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It appears that UFC is honoring Strickland’s number 1 spot in the rankings despite the MMA world wanting Chimaev. The 30-year-old fighter has to wait his turn in 2025, as the champion is set to collide with Strickland for the middleweight strap. In the meantime, Borz could take up another matchup. Considering his last performance, he could wait it out for the next title shot after UFC 312.

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