UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis saved a watchful eye over his division on Saturday when he witnessed Khamzat Chimaev doubtlessly develop into the brand new No. 1 contender at 185 kilos.
Chimaev’s ascension ran parallel to Robert Whittaker’s demise after he noticed his championship window doubtlessly shut for good when his jaw and enamel have been shattered following a nasty submission that ended his night time at UFC 308. Each had an impression on du Plessis with Whittaker serving because the individual he beat to earn his personal title shot whereas it’s solely doable that Chimaev now turns into the subsequent challenger at 185 kilos.
“Really feel actually sorry for Rob,” du Plessis wrote on Twitter. “He seemed tremendous prepared however that is the combat sport. Nicely carried out on a superb efficiency, Khamzat. That being mentioned I can’t wait to take your ‘O.’”
Really feel actually sorry for Rob he seemed tremendous prepared however that is the combat sport properly carried out on a superb efficiency Khamzat
That being mentioned I can’t wait to take your 0— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) October 27, 2024
Contemplating the outcomes on Saturday, du Plessis might have discovered his subsequent opponent, though he’s been anticipated to conflict with Sean Strickland in a rematch someday in early 2025.
Strickland earned his spot because the No. 1 contender with a choice win over Paulo Costa however it’s robust to disclaim that Chimaev might have simply jumped the road together with his efficiency.
Even UFC CEO Dana White wasn’t able to decide to Strickland on Saturday after watching what Chimaev did to Whittaker inside the primary spherical.
“That’s a superb query,” White mentioned when requested about who’s subsequent for du Plessis. “Name me on Tuesday.”
Given the eye that Chimaev’s win obtained and the potential for a blockbuster combat that might promote a complete lot of pay-per-views, the UFC would possibly simply sit Strickland down and start hyping up “Stillknocks” vs. “Borz” instantly.
To make issues worse for Strickland, the reigning UFC middleweight champion additionally retweeted a message hyping up a possible combat between him at Chimaev with the caption saying “that is the combat.”
