Khamzat Chimaev thinks that someone who is often delivered about Dricus du Plessis is incorrect after he is personally with the UFC Middleweight Champion.
Chimaev is approaching his first title challenge in the largest stage in MMA, which was seen in the Octagon more than five years after his dominance.
Three victories in just three months seemed to be gone to catapult 'Borz' in a fast title shot, but a number of health and travel problems stuck the rise of the Chechen star. Now, after a weight miss in 2022, the middleweight forced him, the chance of the unbeaten phenomenon has arrived.
Chimaev will challenge du Plessis in the main event of UFC 319 this Saturday. During the Vechtweek the couple came across each other and had a respectful exchange.
Khamzat Chimaev says that Dricus du Persis is not as great as people say
While responding to images of the meeting, which was placed on social media by the UFC, many pointed out how Chimaev seemed to be great on Du Plessis.
'Borz' had the same collection meal from the moment and Daniel Cormier told during a recent interview that the champion is far from as big as most people believe that he is.
“For me it is nothing personal,” said Chimaev about the personal interaction with Du Plessis. “We just have fun … Show them (the fans) a good show in the cage.
“He's not that big. People say he is so big, big. No, not at all.”
Dricus Du Plessis thinks differently after Khamzat Chimaev interaction
Du Plessis did not come to the same conclusion as his upcoming challenger after their fighting week meeting.
Du Plessis spoke with Helen Yee after he met 'Borz', and was concerned about the size of Chimaev. Although many saw the clip and believed that the Chechen star has a considerable advantage in that department, the South African believes that the camera work is cheating on people.
“I mean, maybe it was the corner,” said Du Plessis.
“I have not seen the video, but I can promise you – you will see, you will see.
“I stood in front of him. He is absolutely no longer than me,” Du Plessis continued. “Maybe a bit; Maybe like, half a centimeter. Yes, you will see it.
“And the other thing, I don't give it – how big he is. That's not what wins. But yes, I saw him, he is absolutely no bigger than me.”