Khamzat Chimaev is likely to face Dricus Du Plessis for the Middleweight title in the near future. Ahead of the potential showdown, both fighters have been trading verbal jabs. In their ongoing online feud, Du Plessis responded to Chimaev with a brutal comeback.
Dricus Du Plessis Claps Back at Khamzat Chimaev With Savage Response
Rumors had been swirling that the highly anticipated bout between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev was set to headline UFC 317, but Du Plessis reportedly withdrew due to injury. However, “Stillknocks” dismissed those rumors through a social media post, assuring fans that the fight is a done deal and the official announcement will be made soon.
One of Chimaev’s biggest weapons is his elite wrestling and ground game, an aspect analysts believe poses the greatest threat to Du Plessis’ title reign. Despite this, “Stillknocks” coach has boldly claimed that they are preparing for an all-out war on the ground.
These claims didn’t sit well with “Borz,” who issued a brutal response while speaking with Adam Zubayraev, saying, “Let them prep for war. I’m prepping for murder.”
View this post on Instagram
Sportskeeda MMA later shared Chimaev’s comments on Instagram, which drew a reaction from Du Plessis. The South African champion clapped back with a savage reply, sarcastically referring to the Chechen-born fighter as Shakespeare, commenting: “Wow, that’s the first time I’ve heard that one. Shakespeare in the house.”
Du Plessis is one of the few fighters in the UFC who truly has a way with words, and this response was just another example of that.
Reinier De Ridder Believes Dricus Du Plessis Has the Edge Over Khamzat Chimaev
Speaking to MMA Fighting on SBN, Reinier de Ridder was asked to predict the potential Middleweight title clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis. Ridder believes that while Chimaev will likely shoot for a takedown right at the start, it won’t be an easy task against Du Plessis.
“I’ve had some experience with both of the guys. I’ve trained with both of them. I’d say, especially in a five-round fight, Khamzat is most likely going to come out guns blazing again and shoot right away, but Dricus is not that easy to take down. He moves very well, although it looks a bit funny at times. His footwork is not that bad. He gets out. He circles pretty well.”
Ridder predicted that “Borz” won’t be able to finish Du Plessis in the first round and emphasized that it will be a hard-fought battle for the Chechen-born fighter. He ultimately picked the South African to get the job done.
“I don’t see Khamzat taking him down right away and to be honest, I don’t see Khamzat choking him out in the first round… I think it might be a long night for Khamzat… I’m going with Dricus but Khamzat would be cool, too, if he gets it. But I think Dricus has a good chance.”
The bout is expected to happen soon, as UFC CEO Dana White confirmed in a press conference that the fight is a done deal. However, he did not reveal the official date.