Khamzat Chimaev’s former opponent shares unexpected prediction for potential Dricus du Plessis clash: “He’s like an electric car”

Khamzat Chimaev appears destined to face the winner of Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland, who will compete for the middleweight title at UFC 312 on Feb. 8. 'Borz' secured a sensational first-round submission win over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, a finish that saw him awarded the Submission of the Year.

The Chechen's victory over Whittaker saw many fans and pundits call for him to face Du Plessis instead of Strickland, who had been labeled as the No.1 title contender by UFC CEO Dana White.

But with Du Plessis vs. Strickland confirmed for February, Chimaev is expected to face the winner, barring a potential injury.

A former opponent of the middleweight contender, Kevin Holland, recently shared his prediction for a potential clash between 'Stillknocks' and Chimaev. Holland appeared on the Ovedogs Podcast with Mike Perry, where he said this:

"I think Khamzat probably beats Strickland but I don't think he beats Dricus." [54:52-54:57]

'Trailblazer' added:

"The way he starts is crazy, bro. I've experienced it. He starts like [crazy]. He's like an electric car." [56:18-56:24]

Check out Kevin Holland's comments on Khamzat Chimaev below:

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Dricus du Plessis opens up on Khamzat Chimaev fight not happening at UFC 312

UFC 308 saw Khamzat Chimaev prove exactly why fans expect him to become a champion in his career, as the 30-year-old became the first fighter to submit Robert Whittaker in the octagon.

'Borz' moved to 14-0 after his victory over the former middleweight champion, and a fight with 185-pound king Dricus du Plessis appeared to be next for him. However, UFC 312 will see Du Plessis square off against Sean Strickland in a rematch of their UFC 297 clash.

Following the announcement of UFC 312's main event, 'Stillknocks' was interviewed by mainevent, where he explained why a clash with Chimaev did not materialize.

He said this:

"It was on the table, for sure. We talked about it but it wasn't from my side, or from his side, where the fight didn't happen. I think there were some issues with the UFC and Khamzat. I'm not sure. And the timing, I think the timing also played a big role. But there were conversations and I said, 'That's the fight I want, let's do it.' And they couldn't make it happen. So, Strickland is the fight they [chose]."

Watch Dricus du Plessis discuss Khamzat Chimaev below (1:55):