As 2025 kicks off, UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is ready to break the drought in the promotion’s middleweight division on February 9. The fight will be UFC’s first event in Australia for the year, where the reigning champion will defend his title against former champion Sean Strickland in a highly anticipated rematch. Despite the excitement surrounding the fight, many fans have already started speculating about the outcome, with some leaning toward a potential matchup between ‘Stillknocks’ and undefeated juggernaut Khamzat Chimaev.

In December 2024, Du Plessis ignited speculation by revealing to Fox Sports Australia that a potential fight against Chimaev “was on the table,” alongside a rematch with Strickland. ‘Borz’, who made a strong return at UFC 308 after a year-long hiatus due to illness, impressed many with his performance, propelling him to the #3 spot in the middleweight rankings. This raised questions about whether the fight against the Chenchen prospect was truly an option for the South African or if Strickland had always been the priority.

For months, the question went unanswered, but recently, Dricus Du Plessis’ coach, Niel Geyser, addressed the speculation during an appearance on the Hack Check Podcast on YouTube. When asked about “anyone else” being considered as a potential opponent, Geyser explained that these matters were discussed “behind closed doors.” Geyser also provided insight that the UFC was definitive in pairing ‘Stillknocks’ with Strickland rather than Chimaev. “As far as my understanding goes, you [the UFC] offered that fight to Strickland—the Dricus fight—after that Khamzat had a good performance against Whittaker,” Geyser explained.

He also emphasized that Du Plessis is always excited to face challenging and thrilling opponents. “He wants to fight certain guys. Obviously, fights that are interesting for him and challenging for him, ones that excite him.” In conclusion, Geyser put the matter to rest by highlighting that the ultimate decision lies with the UFC. “The UFC makes a decision,” he said.

As of now, neither the promotion nor any other official has commented on whether the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Dricus Du Plessis fight is in the works or on the horizon. The only people who can shed light on the situation are UFC head honcho Dana White and his inner circle. However, Chimaev has now spoken up about the swirling rumors. Let’s see what he has to say about it.

Khamzat Chimaev has dismissed the idea of a bout against Du Plessis

Months before the official UFC 312 fight card announcement, Dricus Du Plessis stirred excitement by expressing his preference for fighting Khamzat Chimaev over Sean Strickland. This sparked speculation that ‘Borz’ could be next in line to face the reigning champion, especially after the Chenchen native’s dominant return to the octagon at UFC 308, where he defeated former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round with a face crank submission.

Despite the growing buzz around a potential matchup, Khamzat Chimaev, who has recently overcome several surgeries and health setbacks, made it clear he wasn’t ready for a fight so soon. Du Plessis’s interest in facing ‘Borz’ at UFC 312 left many fans puzzled. Chimaev addressed the rumors on The Hustle Podcast, stating, “Right now, there haven’t been any offers. I’m planning to go to UFC 312 because I have a contract for a few meetings. I need to go according to the contract, meet fans, talk, and communicate. I haven’t discussed a fight with anyone, nothing like that. My focus is on recovering.”

How do you feel about the upcoming rematch between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland? Is this the fight fans are eager for, or are they more excited about the possibility of a showdown between ‘Stillknocks’ and Khamzat Chimaev? If these two were to face off in the Octagon, who do you think would come out on top? Share your thoughts below.