Since his submission win over Israel Adesanya in August, it's looked like Dricus Du Plessis' next defense of his middleweight title would be against a former foe. Sean Strickland has stuck to his guns that he's the next in line for the title despite the actions of other contenders.
The former champion was beaten by Du Plessis in January where he lost the belt via a split decision, rebounding with a win over Paulo Costa at UFC 302. Strickland getting his rematch looked like it was on the cards for early next year until the aftermath of UFC 308 this past weekend.
In the co-main event, Khamzat Chimaev submitted former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round to maintain his undefeated record and earn his biggest win to date. As a result, "Borz" has shot up the middleweight rankings, climbing ten places. When you look back at both men's performances, it's clear to see who the fans are more excited in seeing challenge Du Plessis next time out.
During a recent interview with Radioraps, the 185-pound king gave his thoughts on the current situation, stating which fight interests him more at this moment in time. Considering that he's beaten Strickland before and Chimaev is one of the most talked about fighters in the world right now, his decision was an easy one.
I think we always knew that between Rob and Khamzat, if there was going to be something exceptional that happens, there might be a change in the title fight. We have no clarity on that but as a fan of the sport and as the middleweight champion of the world, that’s a fight that gets me more excited. You know, taking somebody’s 0.
"I’ve beaten Strickland before and I know I’ll beat him again so now getting that Khamzat fight, that gets me excited. I think the whole world, the fans want to see it. The fans ultimately pay to watch the fights so the fight the world thinks is the best next fight, that’s what I want. So yeah, I think the Khamzat fight is 100% what I want, the UFC is going to do what they’re going to do.
