UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has thrown down the gauntlet, calling out undefeated star Khamzat Chimaev in a fiery post-fight interview after successfully defending his title against Sean Strickland at UFC 314. Du Plessis, who won a hard-fought unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) in the main event at the Kaseya Center in Miami, didn’t hold back, labeling Chimaev “overrated” and demanding a showdown to prove who the real king of the middleweight division is.
Du Plessis, now 22-2 with a seven-fight win streak, has solidified his reign as middleweight champion since capturing the belt from Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in August 2024. His victory over Strickland, a former champion known for his relentless pressure, showcased Du Plessis’ well-rounded skills, as he outstruck and outgrappled his opponent over five grueling rounds. However, it was his post-fight comments that stole the spotlight and set the MMA world ablaze.
“I want Khamzat Chimaev next!” Du Plessis roared into the microphone during his interview with Joe Rogan, as the crowd of 20,000 erupted in cheers. “Everyone keeps talking about this guy like he’s the second coming, but I think he’s overrated. He hasn’t fought anyone at my level. I’ll show the world that he’s not on my level—I’ll finish him inside three rounds!” The bold callout comes amid growing skepticism about Chimaev’s hype, with some fans and analysts questioning whether the Chechen fighter has been protected by the UFC.
Khamzat Chimaev, 13-0, has been a polarizing figure in the UFC since his debut in 2020, where he dominated three fights in just 66 days, earning a reputation as a ferocious finisher. However, his career has been plagued by health issues and inconsistent activity. Chimaev’s most recent fight was a majority decision win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 in October 2023, a performance that many felt was underwhelming given the hype surrounding him. [Ref web:3] On X, fans have been vocal about their doubts, with @MMAGuru tweeting on April 10, 2025, “Khamzat hasn’t fought in over a year, and his last performance was meh. Dricus would destroy him.”
Du Plessis’ comments echo a sentiment that has been brewing in the MMA community. Former middleweight champion Michael Bisping, speaking on his podcast Believe You Me, recently criticized Chimaev’s lack of activity, saying, “Khamzat needs to fight more often if he wants to be taken seriously as a contender. Right now, he’s living off hype from 2020.” Du Plessis himself referenced Chimaev’s inactivity in his interview, adding, “He’s been sitting on the sidelines for too long, talking a big game. I’m the champion, and I’m calling him out. Let’s see if he’s man enough to step up.”
Chimaev, who was watching the event from his home in Sweden, quickly responded on Instagram Stories, posting a photo of himself with the caption, “Dricus, you talk too much. I’ll smash you and take your belt. Be careful what you wish for.” The response has only fueled the fire, with fans on X buzzing about the potential matchup. “Dricus vs. Khamzat would be insane! Dricus is a beast, but Khamzat might be too much for him,” one user wrote, while another countered, “Khamzat is all hype. Dricus will expose him just like he did Adesanya.”
The UFC has yet to confirm the fight, but Dana White seemed intrigued by the idea during the UFC 314 post-fight press conference. “Dricus is a warrior, and he’s calling for a big fight,” White said. “Khamzat has been dealing with some health issues, but if he’s ready, this could be a massive fight for the middleweight division. We’ll see what happens.” Chimaev has been open about his struggles with long COVID and other health setbacks, which have limited his activity in recent years. In a 2024 interview with MMA Junkie, he admitted, “I’ve had a tough time with my health, but I’m working to come back stronger.”
The potential matchup has divided the MMA community. Some believe Chimaev’s wrestling and relentless pressure would overwhelm Du Plessis, while others argue that Du Plessis’ durability, striking, and fight IQ would be too much for Chimaev, especially given the latter’s lack of recent octagon time. Former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen weighed in on his YouTube channel, saying, “Dricus is on a roll, and he’s got the momentum. Khamzat is dangerous, but he hasn’t been tested against someone like Dricus. This fight would answer a lot of questions.”
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Dricus Du Plessis is not backing down from a challenge, and his callout of Khamzat Chimaev has set the stage for what could be one of the most explosive fights of 2025. Will Chimaev step up to prove his doubters wrong, or will Du Plessis cement his legacy by taking out another big name? The MMA world is waiting with bated breath. What do you think about this potential showdown? Let us know in the comments!
