Dricus Du Plessis is relishing the chance to end Khamzat Chimaev’s undefeated streak after UFC 308.
Chimaev (14-0 MMA, 8-0 UFC) made a frightening statement that he should be next to challenge for the middleweight title held by Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) on Saturday when he destroyed Robert Whittaker by first-round submission in the co-main event matchup at Etihad Arena on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
After the fight, Chimaev made it clear he wants to challenge for gold in his next fight, whether that means immediately or waiting for a rematch between Du Plessis and Sean Strickland to play out. The UFC has yet to book Du Plessis vs. Strickland 2, though, and UFC CEO Dana White said post-fight that he is going to mull all potential options for what’s next in Tuesday’s matchmaker meeting.
It appears Du Plessis is trying to help make that decision easier, however, because in his first reaction to Chimaev’s win, he said he is eager for the chance to put the first blemish on what is currently a flawless record in MMA competition (via X):
Feel really sorry for Rob he looked super ready but this is the fight game well done on a good performance Khamzat
That being said I can’t wait to take your 0
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) October 27, 2024
Feel really sorry for Rob he looked super ready but this is the fight game well done on a good performance Khamzat
That being said I can’t wait to take your 0
The confidence on Chimaev’s end going into a potential championship showdown with Du Plessis was evident in the aftermath of UFC 308, and he predicted it would be a rough night for him – and his last moment sitting at the top of the mountain.
“How I did with this guy, Rob, and how he done?” Chimaev said. “Rob took him down, so if Rob took him down, there is salam alaikum (against me).”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 308.
