Dricus du Plessis targets Khamzat Chimaev for next title defense after UFC 312

Dricus du Plessis eyes Khamzat Chimaev as next UFC challenger, prioritizing middleweight legacy before any move.

Dricus du Plessis has made it clear that his next target inside the octagon is Khamzat Chimaev, dismissing any speculation about moving up in weight before solidifying his middleweight reign.

Following his dominant victory over Sean Strickland at UFC 312, the newly crowned champion addressed his next move, prioritizing a showdown with Chimaev over a potential superfight with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

"Khamzat is next. I want to make sure that this belt—the middleweight title—there’s no question that I’m the GOAT of the middleweight division," du Plessis stated.

Du Plessis made no secret of his intentions, emphasizing that before he considers any move to light heavyweight, he wants to clear out his division and cement his legacy.

"I’m not rushing that. My next fight is not Alex Pereira. No, no, no. I want that fight against Khamzat next. I think he deserves a hiding," he added.

Chimaev, known for his aggressive fighting style and undefeated record, has been vocal about his desire to challenge for the middleweight title.

Following du Plessis’ win over Strickland, Chimaev took to social media with multiple posts directed at the South African champion. During the main event, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter): "Biggest bull**** is this fight."

Du Plessis acknowledged the online activity, implying that not all of Chimaev’s tweets come directly from him.

"I’ve seen his tweets. Usually, when it makes sense, it’s his agent. When it doesn’t, you know he actually tweeted it," du Plessis quipped.

Du Plessis also touched on a potential superfight with reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira.

"I want to share the octagon with Alex Pereira. I know I can beat him at 205, 100%, but first, I have to handle business at middleweight," he said.

With du Plessis' victory over Strickland, the middleweight division remains as competitive as ever. His declaration that Chimaev is next sets the stage for what could be one of the most anticipated fights in the division’s history.