Jon Anik names dream UFC fight featuring Khamzat Chimaev: “Not sure we can put together a more interesting championship matchup”

Khamzat Chimaev is on the cusp of competing for a UFC title, something many fans had envisioned for him since making his debut in the octagon in 2020. 'Borz' recently defeated former champion Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 via submission in Round 1 and has lined himself up perfectly for a potential championship fight next.

Current middleweight titleholder Dricus du Plessis was long expected to face Sean Strickland in a rematch of their UFC 297 clash in the South African's next title defense.

Du Plessis and Strickland are rumored to be in negotiations to fight at UFC 312 in Sydney, Australia, in February 2025. But 'Tarzan' has made it clear he has little interest in competing 'Down Under' again.

With the middleweight title picture currently unclear, UFC commentator Jon Anik was recently interviewed by Odd Shark Sports, where he was asked to share his dream UFC matchup right now.

He said this:

"My dream matchup right now is Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus du Plessis. I'm not sure that we can put together a more interesting championship matchup right now. With respect to Sean Strickland, who is a deserving number one contender and former champion, I think Khamzat Chimaev really upset the apple cart with what he did against Robert Whittaker. That's the fight that I would like to see."

Check out Jon Anik's comments below:

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Dricus du Plessis wants Khamzat Chimaev next, not Sean Strickland

Dricus du Plessis has shared his thoughts on who he should face next following Khamzat Chimaev's statement-making submission win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308.

'Borz' handed Whittaker the first submission defeat of his UFC career, and his career-best showing has left many fans believing that he has leapfrogged Sean Strickland into the number one contender position.

The middleweight champion discussed who he would prefer to face next, following Chimaev's win over 'The Reaper'. Du Plessis appeared on a recent episode of Fight Chats hosted by South African comedian and actor Rikus de Beer.

'Stillknocks' said this:

"As a fan of the sport, and as the middleweight champion, [Chimaev] is a fight that gets me more excited. Taking somebody's [undefeated record]. I've beaten Strickland before and I know I'll beat him again. Getting that Khamzat fight, that gets me excited. I think the whole world, the fans want to see it... The Khamzat fight is 100 percent what I want."

Watch Dricus du Plessis discuss Khamzat Chimaev below (2:25):