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Du Plessis Rebukes Chimaev’s BMF Critique, Targets Rematch After Strickland Defense

The former champion uses Chimaev’s swipe at Charles Oliveira to press his case for another shot once the titleholder competes in May in Newark.

Overview

  • Dricus du Plessis rejects Khamzat Chimaev’s mockery of Charles Oliveira’s BMF win over Max Holloway, arguing Oliveira pursued submissions rather than stalling.
  • Du Plessis says Chimaev was only better than him at “10 percent” of MMA at UFC 319 and insists he has fixed that deficiency for a potential rematch.
  • Khamzat Chimaev’s first middleweight title defense is booked against Sean Strickland at UFC 328 in May at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey.
  • Du Plessis believes Strickland could “do great” against Chimaev and notes the champion’s prior training rounds with Strickland might shape the matchup.
  • The South African has not fought since UFC 319, has no return date, and wants to be positioned for a rematch if Chimaev wins, with Brendan Allen mentioned in media speculation as a possible interim opponent.