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Khamzat Chimaev has set his sights on dominating the UFC middleweight division in 2025, drawing strong reactions from fans. The Chechen-born fighter recently outlined his plans for the year, expressing confidence in becoming and defending the division’s title.
Speaking to Aslanbek Badaev, Chimaev revealed his goal to face the winner of the Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland middleweight title bout at UFC 312.
Chimaev had stated:
"After the Strickland vs. Du Plessis fight, I will have a fight in May or June against the champion, and then fight in October in Abu Dhabi, win and defend the belt, and those are the plans for this year."
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The fighter, known for his aggressive style and confidence, added fuel to the hype with a bold post on social media recently:
“2025, I will take this belt InShAllah, and no one can stop it 👊🏼.”
Check out Khamzat Chimaev's post below:
Fans quickly reacted to his statement. One fan commented:
“Strickland is lucky he can’t beat DDP. Khamzat would’ve ended Strickland. But DDP vs Khamzat 🔥🔥."
Another chimed in:
“You can take 2-3 belts if you choose brather.🐺”
Check out some of the fan reactions below:
![Fans react to Khamzat Chimaev's recent post. [Screenshot courtesy: X]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2025/01/9df8a-17379671595602-1920.jpg)
Israel Adesanya weighs in on Khamzat Chimaev's reign in the UFC
Former champion Israel Adesanya recently opened up about the moment he gained respect for Khamzat Chimaev, highlighting the surging middleweight's toughness.
Speaking to MMA Junkie’s Mike Bohn ahead of his UFC Fight Night clash with Nassourdine Imavov on Feb 1, Adesanya reflected on Chimaev's rise and his dominant performances.
Adesanya admitted that Chimaev first caught his attention with an impressive victory over Robert Whittaker but credited Chimaev’s war against Gilbert Burns for earning his respect. He said:
"The fight with Gilbert [Burns] was the one that made me respect his dog in him. So I was like oh yeah, this guy's really; he's 'bout that life. So yeah, whenever it happens, it happens. But right now, I'm focused on Imavov."
Check out Israel Adesanya's thoughts on Khamzat Chimaev below (6:45):
