UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis claims Khamzat Chimaev was in consideration for his subsequent title protection.
As an alternative, Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) will run issues again with Sean Strickland (29-6 MMA, 16-6 UFC) within the UFC 312 headliner Feb. 8 at Qudos Financial institution Enviornment in Sydney.
Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) was touted because the potential No. 1 contender when he shortly submitted former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. Du Plessis was excited in regards to the alternative at hand Chimaev his first loss however acknowledges that followers had been beforehand wanting to see him struggle Strickland once more after their tightly contested affair at UFC 297.
“The Khamzat struggle would have been loads greater for my part and extra thrilling,” Du Plessis informed Fox Sports activities Australia. “I haven’t executed it earlier than. I haven’t seen it earlier than. He’s unbeaten, however Strickland is an absolute beast within the octagon. This struggle’s going to be a banger once more, and I can’t wait.”
So, was Du Plessis ever supplied Chimaev by the UFC?
“It was on the desk, for certain,” Du Plessis stated. “We talked about it, however it wasn’t from my aspect or from his aspect the place the struggle didn’t occur. I believe there was some points with the UFC and Khamzat, I’m undecided. And timing.
“I believe timing additionally performed an enormous position. However there have been conversations, and I stated that’s the struggle that I would like, so let’s do it, and so they couldn’t make it occur. So, Strickland is the struggle they did.”
If Du Plessis will get previous Strickland once more, he’ll have his sights set on Chimaev.
“Rumor has it that Khamzat can be in attendance for the struggle in opposition to Strickland now on the eighth of February,” Du Plessis stated. “I don’t understand how true that’s, but when that’s the case, I suppose that’s going to be the following struggle. I’m going to beat Sean Strickland, after which Khamzat can be subsequent.”
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