The Robert Whittaker vs. Khamzat Chimaev bout at UFC 308 has finally sparked a reaction from the reigning middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis himself. In a stern warning, du Plessis alluded to ending Chimaev's undefeated status as a pro-MMA fighter.
The middleweight contest between Whittaker and Chimaev in the co-main event of UFC 308 had a lot on the line, with the winner potentially challenging du Plessis for the title next. The 30-year-old demonstrated exceptional grappling abilities and quickly gained control of the fight.
He went for a quick takedown, getting Whittaker's back and limiting 'The Reaper's' chance to counter. Despite the Australian's momentary escape, Chimaev's unrelenting chase paid off with a quick face crank that sealed the submission in the first round.
Following the fight, du Plessis took to X and congratulated Chimaev for his performance and sent a strong warning to 'Borz', writing:
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''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''
Du Plessis also expressed his thoughts on Whittaker's post-fight statement, where the former middleweight champ praised Chimaev's performance and vowed to come back stronger. 'Stilknocks', who defeated Whittaker last year at UFC 290 via second-round knockout, commented under the 33-year-old's Instagram post, wishing him a speedy recovery.
During the post-fight press conference, Chimaev gave his take on fighting for the title next. He also sent a severe warning to du Plessis, saying:
''It doesn’t matter Sean [Strickland] or Dricus, just going for the gold. So we’ll see what happens next. I’m ready...How I did with this guy, Rob, and how he done? Rob took him [du Plessis] down, so if Rob took him down, there is salam alaikum (against me)."
Check out Khamzat Chimaev's comments below (1:49):
Sean Strickland names himself as Dricus du Plessis' next opponent while taking a dig at Khamzat Chimaev
Sean Strickland has repeatedly called for an immediate rematch with Dricus du Plessis following his title loss at UFC 297. Strickland's appeal was denied by the promotion, and he was scheduled to face Paulo Costa at UFC 302, where he won via split decision.
Despite UFC CEO Dana White naming Strickland as the No. 1 title contender following the fight with Costa, Khamzat Chimaev's victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 has raised questions regarding the middleweight division's title landscape.
Following UFC 308, Strickland took to X and reaffirmed his status as the next title contender, writing:
''Understand one thing.... I am next in line..... Its been said, its been written... January/February me and @dricusduplessis are scrapping. Go back to Chechnya and wait a few months..... wait.. sorry UAE... you're not allowed in Chechnya...But hey crypto scams while you wait''