Dricus du Plessis blasts Chimaev after UFC 294 victory: “Loses to Strickland every day”

Dricus Du Plessis is close to a chance at the middleweight title. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @dricusduplessis

The South African fighter Dricus du Plessis was not impressed with the performance of Khamzat Shimaev No. UFC 294, where the Swede defeated Kamaru Usman by majority decision and became the new challenger for the middleweight belt (up to 83,9kg.).

In an interview with Fox West Texas, Du Plessis criticized Chimaev's performance and said he won't beg for a title shot. However, he considers that the Emirati, if he repeats his performance, would lose to Sean Strickland by the title “every day”.

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“If you want to give Khamzat (Chimaev) a title shot, go ahead, as Khamzat who fought this weekend loses to Sean Strickland every day of the week. I'm going to overtake the top five in this category, which will only make my move to light heavyweight quicker and easier. Right now I'm not going to beg for any title shot. I never begged for anything, I fought for it”, said Dricus.

Dricus du Plessis vs Chimaev in the UFC?

Du Plessis, who is currently number two in the middleweight rankings, is coming off an impressive victory over Robert whittaker by knockout in the second round UFC 290. The South African has a record of 20 wins and two losses, with nine knockouts and ten submissions. He is considered one of the most complete and dangerous fighters in the division.

Chimaev, in turn, won the chance to compete for the title for the first time in victory over Kamaru Usman — who accepted the challenge just over a week before the UFC 294. He has an undefeated record of 13 wins, including six knockouts and five submissions.

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