"This is his peak, a bad version of me" - Khamzat Chimaev dismisses Dricus du Plessis' credibility as a champion despite recent wins
Khamzat Chimaev recently weighed in on Dricus du Plessis' middleweight title reign and dismissed his credibility despite recent wins over Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya. Chimaev noted that he believes he wouldn't have a very difficult time against him should they meet in the octagon in the future.
To no fault of his own, 'Borz' has been out of action since last October after being forced to withdraw from his main event against Robert Whittaker at UFC Saudi Arabia this past June due to an illness. It was unfortunate as it was believed to be a potential title eliminator that would see the winner challenge du Plessis or Adesanya.
While speaking to Adam Zubayraev, the middleweight contender shared his thoughts on 'Stillknocks' being the reigning middleweight champion. Chimaev mentioned that he has much better technique than du Plessis and that his fighting style is a better version of the South African's style:
"This is his peak now, a bad version of me. I'll be back soon and I'll take him down. For me, [du Plessis] is much more convenient than other fighters. Sean Strickland gets up well, and [du Plessis], he's a wrestler but more physical. We have the technique, wrestling, counter-wrestling to take him down and hold him and he knows it himself, that's why he's silent about me." [Translated]
Check out the full video featuring Khamzat Chimaev's comments below:
Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker set for five round clash at UFC 308
Although it appeared as though their middleweight clash would be contested under normal non-title rules, it appears as though Khamzat Chimaev and Robert Whittaker are set to compete in a five-round bout at UFC 308. It is a highly anticipated bout as it will surely determine who earns the next title shot after Sean Strickland.
The bout was initially scheduled to headline UFC Saudi Arabia as a five-round main event, but was scrapped after 'Borz' was forced to withdraw. During a recent episode of his MMArcade Podcast, Whittaker confirmed that the bout will in fact be five rounds:
"Yeah, it's a five rounder, I don't know why. It's like a co-main [event], but yeah, it's a five rounder...So much more work." [51:35 - 51:55]
Check out the full episode of MMArcade Podcast featuring Robert Whittaker's comments regarding his bout against Khamzat Chimaev below: