Some of UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis’ fans have switched allegiance to Khamzat Chimaev after his most recent public appearance.
Du Plessis has touched down in Illinois a few weeks out from his third defense of the 185-pound crown at UFC 319, set to take place at Chicago’s United Center.
After getting past both Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland in a rematch, Du Plessis next faces Khamzat Chimaev, an undefeated phenom whom many are tipping to be the one to hand the South African his first UFC defeat.
Ahead of their main event at UFC 319 on August 16, ‘Stillknocks’ has begun promotional work in the host city, and that recently took him to Soldier Field stadium.
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Dricus du Plessis dons Manchester United shirt while attending the team’s match in Chicago
Du Plessis has promised to beat Chimaev by taking the Chechen to waters he has yet to experience inside the Octagon. But before having the chance to prove that prediction correct, the South African has the usual commitments away from the cage that come with being a champion.
The most recent was a public appearance ahead of UFC 319 at the friendly match between English Premier League clubs Manchester United and AFC Bournemouth in Chicago.
Du Plessis was pictured posing with and wearing the Manchester United strip in a post uploaded to the official Instagram account of the 13-time Premier League champions.
“The champ in Chicago,” the caption reads. “@DricusDuPlessis joined us at United v Bournemouth ahead of UFC 319 (handshake emoji)”
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Fans divided after Dricus du Plessis shows allegiance to Manchester United
Given the rivalries Manchester United has with a number of other soccer teams, it’s not surprising that Du Plessis caused a stir by showing allegiance to the ‘Red Devils’.
When it comes to Du Plessis’ task of defeating Chimaev on August 16, it seems he both lost and gained some backers as a result of the English Premier League team’s social media post.
“From champ to chump in one kit change.”
“Man U??? How could you @dricusduplessis.”
“Even more reason to hate DDP.”
“I speak for everyone in saying we are rocking with Khamzat now.”
“Heartbroken, day ruined.”
“No I’ve got a dilemma.”
“Okay I just officially became Team Khamzat (heartbreak emoji)”
Others, though, have developed newfound support for the South African.
“I just switched (from Chimaev to Du Plessis).”
“Now I just became a Dricus fan.”
“Lmaooo I f— with Du Plessis heavy now.”
“Officially a DDP fan.”