"Khamzat is trembling" - Fans react as Dricus du Plessis defends takedowns from five training partners at the same time

Dricus du Plessis' next opponent appeared all but decided, with the middleweight champion expected to face Sean Strickland at UFC 312 in February 2025. However, Khamzat Chimaev's destructive victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308 has created a debate about whether he deserves the title fight instead.

Chimaev's bout with Whittaker was scheduled to be a title eliminator, with the expectation that 'Borz' would face the winner of du Plessis vs. Strickland 2.

UFC CEO Dana White stated that 'Tarzan' was most deserving of a title shot several weeks before UFC 308, but the Chechen-born Chimaev's first-round submission win over 'The Reaper' left fans and fighters stunned alike.

Recent footage emerged of du Plessis fending off takedown attempts from five training partners simultaneously, sending fans into hysterics about how Chimaev would fare against the South African.

In a video uploaded to X by @petr_is_art, 'Stillknocks' could be seen being ambushed by numerous training partners.

Check out Dricus du Plessis in training below:

One fan joked that Chimaev would be "trembling" after seeing the footage.

See some more fan reactions below:

Screenshots of fan reactions to du Plessis' takedown defense

---

Dricus du Plessis eyes Khamzat Chimaev over Sean Strickland next

Dricus du Plessis appeared to be headed back to Australia to defend his title against the man he defeated to win the belt, Sean Strickland. The pair were rumored to have been offered a contract to fight at UFC 312 in Australia.

Strickland was unhappy that he would be fighting 'Down Under'. But it seems he may not have to worry at all, as the South African has shifted his focus to Khamzat Chimaev.

UFC 308 saw Chimaev take on Robert Whittaker in the co-main event, with 'Borz' securing a brutal first-round submission win.

Following the result, 'Stillknocks' discussed who he'd like to fight next during an episode of Fight Chats hosted by South African comedian and actor Rikus de Beer. The middleweight champion said:

"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."

Check out Dricus du Plessis' comments on Khamzat Chimaev below (2:25):