When Khamzat Chimaev finished Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308, the MMA community confirmed their suspicions that Chimaev was destined for the top of the mountain of the UFC. His spectacular victory left fans scratching their heads, as many now believe Chimaev is the man who will dethrone Dricus Du Plessis and claim the Middleweight strap. Well, is the champion a bit concerned by the storm that ‘Borz’ has unleashed? It’s quite the opposite, as rather than avoiding Chimaev, Du Plessis would like to face him head-on.

While having a conversation with Daniel Cormier on the sidelines of the UFC 312, the former light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion asked ‘Stillknocks’ about his true opinion on Khamzat Chimaev because he is edging the gap for the middleweight title.

Dricus Du Plessis was at peace as he answered Cormier’s question, “I looked at it and I went, “Huh.” I know they’ve wanted Khamzat to be the guy for so long, but he just hasn’t been able to. Khamzat is such an incredible fighter, he just hasn’t been able to—well, get to fights first, and you know, whatever the case may be. However long he has been the guy, he’s just not been able to make that leap.”

He further added, “I know they want him to because Khamzat has a massive following. Khamzat is a big name, the hype is there, and he is deserving. Khamzat is a special fighter—mhm—and I believe that once he fights me, that’s when people will really see how special I am. I was looking forward to having that fight when I saw that.

Willing to clash with the boogeyman of the division, Dricus Du Plessis has no intention of bypassing the challenge of Chimaev. Interestingly, ‘Stillknocks’ wanted to face Chimaev instead of Sean Strickland but the UFC head honcho Dana White had other thoughts, “I was rallying for the Khamzat [Chimaev] fight, just because it was [a case of trying to] strike while the iron is hot. The hype was there – it would have been good for all of us. They went with the Strickland [rematch], which didn’t bother me at all,” said Du Plessis in a conversation with the media.

After dealing with Sean Strickland, the UFC has ascertained that Khamzat Chimaev will be next in the line for the middleweight title and thus we can witness the clash between the UFC stars. Amidst the chaos, Du Plessis has received unexpected backing from a former fighter.

Brendan Schaub believes Dricus Du Plessis has what it takes to defeat Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis are undefeated in their MMA careers. If Du Plessis repeats his previous performance against Strickland, then a potential match with Chimaev means that one fighter’s 0 has to go. Many believe that Chimaev will finish Du Plessis in their clash, but according to former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub, ‘Stillknocks’ will shock everyone.

While having a conversation at the ‘The Fighter and the Kid’ podcast, Schaub asserted, “I think DDP mollyw**ps Khamzat, too. I think he is a nightmare for Khamzat.” As Schaub uttered this, ‘The Fighter and the Kid’ podcast co-host Bryan Callen expressed his shock as he stated, “Really? I think Khamzat has all the wrestling. I think he gives him big problems in wrestling.”

Doubling down on his statement, Schaub stated, “Probably the most durable guy yeah. When you talk about grappling, remember DDP is a guy who entered, it’s like the last man standing. They like they call it shark rounds- so you stay as long as you can to submit people. He entered a tournament that was like that, it was filled with Gracie black belts- submitted all of them. You’re talking about a complete savage.”

Their clash will be nothing but an absolute cinema. Given that, do you think Khamzat Chimaev will be the one to finally stop Dricus Du Plessis’s winning streak? State your thoughts in the comments below.