Khamzat Chimaev told fans and a worried UFC veteran not to fear after his potential crowning title was branded a 'disaster'.
Chimaev has sworn to take his way to UFC Gold since he made a Splash with a record setting first few months in the promotion five years ago. Ultimately, on August 16, the unbeaten Chechen star has the chance to prove that his old trust is well placed.
In the main event of UFC 319 this Saturday, Chimaev Dryaev will challenge Du Plessis for the title of the middleweight. 'Borz' earned the opportunity by tearing by Robert Whittaker last year, and he will now try to add the South African champion to his long list of victims.
And more than just winning, Chimaev hopes to appear apparently damage -free of the main event in Chicago, so that he can complete a surprisingly rapid change and can prove those who doubt his ability to stay active.
Khamzat Chimaev wants to turn around and make his first UFC title defense in October
The indictment of Chimaev opposite the top has often stalled in the last five years due to a number of health problems. It became so bad in 2021 that Chimaev even announced his retirement before he quickly returned and returned to the competition.
With its history of recordings and inactivity in mind, some are worried about what the middleweight division will look like with 'Borz' as a champion. One of the most vocal was ex-Puc Fighter Din Thomas, who went so far to call a Chimaev victory on UFC 319 'disastrous' for the weight class.
The Challenger tackled such claims during a fighting week interview with Daniel Cormier, which showed that he would be open to defending the title in just two months if he dismisses Du Plessis on Saturday.
“Of course I say that if there is no injury, nothing will happen (on UFC 319), I want to defend back in Abu Dhabi and my belt,” said Chimaev.
“Yes, (I want to fight again in October). That's good, man. Fast money,” he added.
UFC 321 takes place in Abu Dhabi on October 25, with the head of the heavyweight title defense of Tom Aspinall against Ciryl Gane.
Dricus Du Plessis does not intend to let that happen
In order to achieve his exalted goal of a title that crowned on UFC 319, the first defense this fall and three glory weight along the line, Chimaev must pass Du Plessis. And it is not surprising that the South African does not intend to let that happen.
After he had been given his wish to undergo 'Borz', a callout, the Always Game South African is widely praised, Du Plessis promised Chimaev a new experience in the career of the Chechen star.
And it is not one 'Still Knocks' thinks that his challenger will enjoy Come Fight Night …
“I don't care how good you think you are, how difficult, how fit or how strong,” wrote du Plessis on Instagram.
“When you step into that octagon with me, it will be a first experience and not a pleasant one.
“That is a promise. As we say in 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 🇿🇦 ##stillknocks #prparetoweamazed.”