UFC title contender claims Du Plessis self-sabotaged in Chimaev bout

Dricus du Plessis is a former UFC middleweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

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Former middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg) Dricus Du Plessis divided opinions after facing Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. For some, the South African shone with his grit and willpower, while for others, like Anthony Hernandez for example, the athlete sabotaged himself in a strategy used to try and stop 'The Wolf' in the octagon.

Title contender and currently ranked sixth in the division, 'Fluffy' didn't mince words when criticizing Du Plessis's performance in his title defense. Despite criticizing his rival, Hernandez acknowledged Chimaev's merits in dominating his opponent.

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Dricus du Plessis after his defeat to Khamzat Chimaev . Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @dricusduplessis

"I was surprised until I started seeing what DDP was doing. It's like, you're doing all this bullshit from a strong, explosive guy. That bullshit doesn't work against good fighters, like they can flow with that bullshit. So DDP kind of got screwed by that, and then Khazmat did a really good job keeping the pressure on him, keeping him in his hands, making it so he couldn't get up, and I mean, that's a really high level from Khazmat," Hernandez told MMA Fighting.

Subsequently, Hernandez admitted to finding the fight sleepy and highlighted his intention to be able to face the champion if he defeats Reinier de Ridder in his next appearance in the octagon, scheduled for October 18th at UFC Vancouver.

"But watching it as a fan and enjoying the blood and stuff, like people breaking each other and mixing it up, it was kind of boring, but that's just my opinion. I'm a fighter too. So, I mean, I usually try to be in charge, and I've been there myself, when you're a little hurt and you have to do what you have to do to win. So, I understand, but I'm looking forward to fighting that guy. Right now, I have a few more things to prove, so I'll prove a point, and then whatever happens, will happen," he concluded.

Anthony Hernandez wants to face Khamzat Chimaev in the UFC. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage

Known for his grappling prowess, Hernandez has been surprising with dominant performances. His latest victim was Roman Dolidze , who was submitted by Fluffy with a rear-naked choke.

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