Dricus Du Plessis makes a bold prediction: Will Khamzat Chimaev retain his UFC crown?
In a recent interview, Dricus Du Plessis confidently asserted that Khamzat Chimaev will emerge victorious in his upcoming UFC middleweight title defense. This statement comes after Chimaev's dominant win over Du Plessis himself at UFC 319 in August, where he claimed the middleweight belt. But here's where it gets interesting...
Nassourdine Imavov, with a five-fight winning streak, including a recent victory over Caio Borralho, has earned his shot at the title. Du Plessis acknowledges Imavov's contender status but doesn't believe he stands a chance against Chimaev. And this is the part most people miss: Du Plessis' own loss to Chimaev seems to have influenced his prediction.
"Imavov deserves the title shot, but I'm certain Chimaev will win," Du Plessis stated. However, the middleweight division is in a state of flux. Former champion Sean Strickland is set to face Anthony Hernandez in February, and Brendan Allen has been campaigning for a fight with Du Plessis. Meanwhile, Chimaev has expressed reluctance to face Imavov, a fellow Russian.
Du Plessis, aiming for a comeback in early 2026, also commented on the Imavov-Borralho fight, praising Borralho's skills but questioning the overall quality of the bout. He highlights the lack of consistency in the division, making it challenging to determine the top contenders. But is Du Plessis' prediction a mere reflection of his own experience against Chimaev, or is there more to it?
What do you think? Is Chimaev's reign as champion set to continue, or could Imavov pull off an upset? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments, especially if you have a different take on this intriguing matchup!
