“Stillknocks” might make “Tarzan” cry again.
It’s been four days since Khamzat Chimaev made the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fanbase gasp at UFC 308 when he made light work of Robert Whittaker, breaking his jaw via face crank from inside Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE (watch highlights).
The big storyline coming out of UFC 308 was if Chimaev was going to leapfrog former UFC Middleweight champion Sean Strickland and get a title shot. And while we still don’t have that answer, the 185 lb champion Dricus Du Plessis believes Chimaev should fight for the title next.
“We always knew that, between Rob and Khamzat, if it was going to be something exceptional that happens, there might be a change in the title fight,” Du Plessis told the podcast Radioraps. “We have no clarity on that, but as a fan of the sport and as the Middleweight champion of the world, that’s a fight that gets me more excited, taking somebody’s 0. I’ve beaten Strickland before and know I’ll beat him again.
“Getting that Khamzat fight gets me excited. I think the whole world and the fans want to see it. The fans ultimately pay to watch the fights. So, the fight the world thinks is the best next fight, that’s what I want. I think the Khamzat fight is 100% what I want. The UFC is going to do what they’re going to do, but from a fan perspective and a fighter’s perspective, I think Khamzat should get the next shot,” Du Plessis concluded.
Strickland disagrees with anyone who believes Chimaev should be next.
Up until Chimaev’s incredible win at UFC 308, Strickland was still positioned to rematch Du Plessis. Now, there is no clarity because even UFC CEO Dana White was uncertain after “Borz’s” win.
Du Plessis has shown great interest in fighting in February 2025, which might cause a problem for Chimaev because it is unknown if he can get into Australia. (He can’t).
For complete UFC 308 results, coverage and highlights click HERE.