Dricus Du Plessis calls out Khamzat Chimaev for future fight

Du Plessis will likely have to get through a challenge from Sean Strickland early next year before he attempts to hand Chimaev his first loss. However, if for some reason Strickland — who is known for reckless behavior outside the octagon — can’t fight, Chimaev is the logical next choice.

Chimaev has accused the top middleweights of running from his smashing style, but it’s unlikely that Du Plessis would shy away. Still Knocks has indicated he’s willing to fight anyone, including Strickland, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, Whittaker and now Chimaev.

Strickland also appears to be assuming he’ll get to fight Chimaev. Tarzan has already started trash talking with the Chechen on X, while warning him to wait his turn.

Whether the American would want to take on Chimaev after a hypothetical win against Du Plessis remains to be seen. Chimaev claims to have manhandled Strickland when the two trained together. Assuming that’s true, Strickland would justifiably be wary.

Whatever happens, though, the UFC’s middleweight division is poised for an exciting 2025. Any combination of Du Plessis, Strickland and Chimaev, in any order, will be must-see action.