"This is going to make Strickland cry again" - Fans react after Dricus du Plessis brands Khamzat Chimaev matchup more enticing

UFC middleweight king Dricus du Plessis has shared his thoughts on the possibility of fighting Khamzat Chimaev next. 'Stillknocks' is currently expected to defend his title against Sean Strickland in a rematch, but many believe that after his impressive performance at UFC 308, Chimaev might leapfrog 'Tarzan' and fight for the championship next.

The South African recently did an interview for Radioraps and spoke about his next title defense. Du Plessis shared that he is more excited about the possibility of facing 'Borz' than Strickland:

"We always knew that if between [Robert Whittaker] 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... I think the Khamzat fight is 100 percent what I want.

"The UFC is gonna do what they're gonna do, but from a fan's perspective and from a fighter's perspective, I think Khamzat should get the next shot."

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Check out Dricus du Plessis' comments below (2:10):

Du Plessis' comments caught the attention of several MMA fans. who shared their reactions on X.

One joked that Chimaev getting a title shot might upset Strickland:

"This is going to make Sean Strickland cry again."

Another individual opined that 'Borz' would make light work of the middleweight champion:

"Khamzat would run through him."

A polar opposite opinion was shared by one user, who said 'Stillknocks' would comfortably defeat Chimaev:

"He's gonna handle Khamzat easily."

Check out a compilation of some of the reactions below:

MMA fans react to Sean Strickland's comments

Joe Rogan speaks about Khamzat Chimaev possibly getting a title shot next

On the latest episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, the UFC commentator reacted live to UFC 308 alongside his friends, watching on as Khamzat Chimaev dominantly submitted Robert Whittaker in the first round.

Rogan suggested that 'Borz' should be next in line for a championship fight against Dricus du Plessis:

"[Chimaev's] a scary motherf**ker. That grappling is next level. He's a beast... Once he gets a hold of you, it's so dangerous... You give him the title shot. Holy s**t. He gets a title shot, I think."

Check out Joe Rogan's comments on Khamzat Chimaev below (2:07:28):

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Puneet has a total of 2.5 years of experience and specializes in reporting on MMA and boxing for Sportskeeda. He holds a postgraduate diploma in Journalism & Mass Communication, which aided him in his writing skills.

The iconic interim featherweight title fight between Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes at UFC 189 in 2015 ignited Puneet’s passion for the sport. Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira stands out as Puneet’s favorite MMA fighter as he's drawn to 'Do Bronx's' captivating background story and entertaining persona. He is a believer of MMA being the world’s no.1 combat sport as opposed to Boxing.

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Puneet’s professional achievements include covering major events such as UFC 264 and several boxing matches featuring renowned fighters like Canelo Alvarez, Tyson Fury, and Anthony Joshua.

Beyond MMA, Puneet likes to watch movies.

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Edited by Harvey Leonard