Dricus du Plessis Sets Sights on Khamzat Chimaev, Eyeing Future Clash with Alex Pereira

Following his successful title defense against Sean Strickland at UFC 312, Dricus du Plessis has made it clear that Khamzat Chimaev is his next target. The South African champion, while interested in a future bout with light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira, acknowledges that there’s unfinished business in the middleweight division.

Du Plessis expressed his admiration for Pereira, calling him “the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.” However, he emphasized the importance of solidifying his legacy in the middleweight division before moving up to challenge Pereira at 205 pounds.

“Khamzat is next,” du Plessis stated firmly. “I want to ensure there’s no question that I’m the greatest of all time in the middleweight division. It’s not just about the number of defenses, but who you fight and how you do it.”

The champion sees defeating the unbeaten Chimaev as a crucial step in his quest for GOAT status. However, du Plessis also recognizes the emergence of new contenders like Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho, which may delay his plans to challenge Pereira.

Du Plessis expressed excitement about the changing landscape of the middleweight division, noting how former dominant forces like Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker have slipped in the rankings. He suggested a potential title eliminator between Borralho and Imavov, with the winner facing the champion after the Chimaev bout.

As du Plessis sets his sights on cementing his legacy at middleweight, fans can anticipate thrilling matchups in the division’s near future.