Exclusive: Khamzat Chimaev potentially getting middleweight title shot is not Dricus du Plessis' concern just yetÂ
Dricus du Plessis returns to action this weekend at UFC 282 against Darren Till in a featured bout on the main card. Recent speculation that welterweight behemoth Khamzat Chimaev will leapfrog top middleweight contenders and land a title shot for the 185-pound strap isn't a concern for the South African at the moment.
Chimaev, the UFC's breakout star in 2020, has maintained his dominant form, extending his undefeated record to 12-0 (6-0 in the UFC). 'Borz' has set his sights on a fight against middleweight title holder Alex Pereira. If their recent exchange on social media is to be believed, a potential fight between the two could very well be a prospective plan for the UFC.
Several worthy contenders have voiced their concerns in light of these fresh developments. Most recently, Kevin Holland claimed that he would reconsider retiring if the UFC demonstrates preferential treatment by handing Khamzat Chimaev the title shot.
Dricus du Plessis weighed in on the matter in an exclusive interview with Andrew Whitelaw of Sportskeeda MMA. While he echoed the same sentiment as his fellow middleweight peers, du Plessis claimed that he would cross that bridge when it came to it:
"If he [Chimaev] gets a straight title shot, that would make no sense at all. He hasn't even fought a ranked middleweight, not once.... But I'm not going to sit and complain about it. The only thing I can do is show up and entertain fans and become the superstar that I know I can be."
The No.14-ranked middleweight contender wants to take his journey one step at a time and not worry about a possible problem until it happens:
"What happens at the title does not concern me. I'm not in the title [picture] yet. When I get there, that will become my concern. My concern right now is Darren Till."
Catch our exclusive interview with Dricus du Plessis below:
Dricus du Plessis is relishing the massive opportunity to fight one of "the biggest names" in the UFC
Dricus du Plessis will be eager to score the biggest victory of his mixed martial arts career with a statement-making performance when he locks horns with Darren Till at UFC 282 this weekend.
With three victories in as many fights under the UFC banner, which also includes two spectacular knockouts, du Plessis is shaping into a viable contender in the talent-stacked 185-pound division.
Relishing the opportunity to face a former title challenger in Darren Till, du Plessis shared his thoughts with Andrew Whitelaw in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda MMA:
"Definitely the biggest name I've [ever] fought, I mean up until yesterday he was No.9 in the world. He's still No.10 in the world and that's no joke. Darren Till is one of the biggest names in the whole organization, in the sport of MMA. For me, this is a massive opportunity."
Dricus du Plessis believes that despite Till's recent form, he expects a solid contest and is leaving no stone unturned in preparation.
Viewers in India can watch the LIVE coverage of UFC 282: Blachowicz vs. Ankalaev on SONY TEN 2 (English), SONY TEN 3 (Hindi) & SONY TEN 4 (Tamil & Telugu) channels at 8:30 am IST on December 11, 2022