With Khamzat Chimaev‘s win over former champion Robert Whittaker, speculations are popping up about ‘Borz’ possibly overtaking Sean Strickland to bag the title shot. But what does our reigning champion Dricus du Plessis think about this rumor? Well, the South African star claims to be rather “excited” about the prospect of getting to butt heads against Chimaev.

Dricus du Plessis isn’t too sure of who will stand opposite him when he puts his title on the line for the second time. Despite Dana White previously stating that Sean Strickland would be next, ‘Stillknocks’ imagines a shake-up could take place after the Khamzat Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker fight. However, he seems to have no problems taking on the undefeated Chechnyan-born star, wanting to hand him his first MMA defeat.

“We always knew that between Rob and Khamzat, if there was going to be something exceptional that happens, there might be a change in the title fight,” Dricus du Plessis told ‘Radioraps’. “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 [against Chimaev] that gets me more excited, taking somebody 0.”

Meanwhile, when talking about fighting Sean Strickland, the champion didn’t show much of an interest. He believes that most MMA fans want to see him take on Chimaev, and if that’s what the UFC has planned for him, he’ll happily oblige. “I’ve beaten Strickland before and I know I’ll beat him again. So, now getting that Khamzat fight that gets me excited. I think the whole world; the fans want to see it,” Dricus du Plessis added. However, the rumors about him potentially getting replaced by ‘Borz’ didn’t sit all too well with Strickland, who sounded off on the undefeated star.

Sean Strickland goes off on Khamzat Chimaev regarding the Dricus du Plessis fight

The ever-vocal former champion Sean Strickland didn’t take too much time to jibe at Khamzat Chimaev after his UFC 308 performance. On X, the former champion went no holds barred. He appeared reluctant to let his opportunity to gain back the 185lbs champion slip away, claiming that he’s next. Strickland even took some digs at Chimaev by referencing his outside-the-octagon controversies, leaving no stone unturned.

“Understand one thing…. I am next in line….. Its been said, its been written… January/February me and [Dricus du Plessis] are scrapping,” wrote Sean Strickland. “Go back to Chechnya and wait a few months….. wait.. sorry UAE… you’re not allowed in Chechnya…But hey crypto scams while you wait.”

There’s no love lost between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev, who have trained together in the past. They have been on each other’s necks after Chimaev claimed to have gotten the better of the former champion multiple times during training. Could that lead to a No. 1 contender matchup between these two? Well, only time will tell.