Khamzat Chimaev has told fans and a worried UFC veteran not to fear after his potential title crowning was branded a “disaster.”
Chimaev has vowed to smash his way to UFC gold ever since making a splash with a record-setting first few months in the promotion five years ago. Finally, on August 16, the undefeated Chechen star has the chance to prove his longtime confidence is well placed.
In the main event of UFC 319 this Saturday, Chimaev will challenge Dricus du Plessis for the middleweight title. ‘Borz’ earned the opportunity by tearing through Robert Whittaker last year, and he will now look to add the South African champion to his long list of victims.
And more than just winning, Chimaev is seemingly hoping to emerge damage-free from the main event in Chicago, so that he can complete a surprisingly fast turnaround and prove those doubting his ability to stay active wrong.
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Khamzat Chimaev wants to turn around and make his first UFC title defense in October
Chimaev’s charge toward the top has been frequently stalled across the past five years owing to a number of health issues. Things got so bad in 2021 that Chimaev even announced his retirement before soon walking that back and returning to competition.
With his history of withdrawals and inactivity in mind, some are concerned about what the middleweight division will look like with ‘Borz’ as champion. Among the most vocally worried is ex-UFC fighter Din Thomas, who went as far as to call a Chimaev victory at UFC 319 ‘disastrous’ for the weight class.
The challenger addressed such claims during a fight week interview with Daniel Cormier, revealing that he would be open to defending the title in just two months’ time should he unseat Du Plessis on Saturday.
“Of course, I say if no injury, nothing is gonna happen (at UFC 319), I want to go back in Abu Dhabi and defend my belt,” Chimaev said.
“Yeah, (I want to fight again in October). That is good, man. Fast money,” he added.
UFC 321 will take place in Abu Dhabi on October 25, headlined by Tom Aspinall’s heavyweight title defense against Ciryl Gane.
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Dricus du Plessis does not plan on letting that happen
To achieve his lofty goal of a title crowning at UFC 319, first defense this fall, and three-weight glory down the line, Chimaev must get past Du Plessis. And unsurprisingly, the South African has no intention of letting that happen.
After he got his wish to face ‘Borz’ next, a callout the always game South African has been widely praised for, Du Plessis promised Chimaev a new experience in the Chechen star’s career.
And it is not one ‘Stillknocks’ thinks his challenger will enjoy come fight night…
“I don’t care how good you think you are, how tough, how fit, or how strong,” Du Plessis wrote on Instagram.
“When you step into that octagon with me, it will be a first-time experience and not a pleasant one.
“That’s a promise. As we say in 🇿🇦 built different!! #stillknocks #preparetobeamazed.”