"Crazy lad" - MMA X in splits as Dricus du Plessis reportedly asks team to grow beards and shout "I kill everybody" in preparation for Khamzat Chimaev

Fans react (insert) to Dricus du Plessis (left) and his apparent mandate for his teammates to look and sound like Khamzat Chimaev (right). [Image credit: @dricusduplessis on Instagram, @MMA_Orbit on X] — Fans react (insert) to Dricus du Plessis (left) and his apparent mandate for his teammates to look and sound like Khamzat Chimaev (right). [Image courtesy: @dricusduplessis on Instagram and @MMA_Orbit on X]

UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis continues to surprise everyone. From his unorthodox striking style to his wild antics outside the cage, 'Stillknocks' never lets anyone know his next move. In his recent eyebrow-raising activities, Du Plessis mandated his team to emulate his potential next opponent, Khamzat Chimaev.

By "emulate" we didn't just mean copying the Chenchen warrior's fighting style. The champ asked his teammates to pretty much ape Chimaev's look and personality. As posted by the champion's gym, CIT Performance Institute on Instagram, the new directive was created to help him prepare for 'Borz'.

MMA Orbit reported the news on X:

"🗣️ Dricus du Plessis’ gym via IG: 'Dricus Du Plessis has mandated that teammates grow out their beards and shout “I kill everybody” before sparring in preparation for a potential title defense against Khamzat Chimaev.' 😭😭😭"

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We can't confirm if this is legit or just one of Du Plessis' gags, but fans on X are loving it, with @Guy69Dat saying:

"This man is method acting in training. What a crazy lad 🤣"

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Meanwhile, @NastyEyePoke leaned in on the joke, saying:

"Does he also make them about 'Allahu Akbar'?"

Check out more replies below:

More comments. [Screenshots courtesy: @MMA_Orbit on X]

Dricus du Plessis explained why he chose Khamzat Chimaev over Sean Strickland as next opponent

Before UFC 308 last month, it was widely believed that the next challenger for Dricus du Plessis' title would be former UFC middleweight king Sean Strickland. The two faced each other at UFC 297 earlier this year with the South African narrowly besting the American via a split decision.

However, after Khamzat Chimaev blasted through Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, the tides have changed. Du Plessis now has his eyes set on 'Borz', shelving his rivalry with Strickland in the meantime.

Speaking to TMZ, 'Stillknocks' explained why he chose the Chenchen wrestling machine over the American striker:

"Listen, I completely welcome the rematch [with Strickland]. I would love to get that finish because for Sean, he needs a win back [and] I need a finish. And for him, he doesn't miind fighting boring fights that's why he has, what, seven or eight split decision wins."

Du Plessis continued: