Khamzat Chimaev has poked the sleeping dragon with an unforeseen response to Dricus Du Plessis. Oh, so you missed out on the exciting stuff from the MMA realm because of your busy schedule? Don’t worry, my friend, because we’ve got you covered with yet another episode of EssentiallySports’ MMA News Roundup. 

Today, we’ll take a look at Chimaev’s response to the middleweight champion after he shared his plans for 2025. Next up, we have a teaser from Conor McGregor. And finally, we’ll see what Eddie Hearn had to say about Dana White’s entry into the boxing world. 

Dricus Du Plessis receives a response from Khamzat Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev’s first-round KO victory over Robert Whittaker was something that no one expected to happen. Chimaev had been out of action for a very long time due to bouts. To add to his inactivity, his health issues have often worried the fight fans. However, the speed with which he took Whittaker down, and the power with which he submitted him greatly impressed the fighting community. During the post-fight interview, he took aim at the middleweight championship throne. 

Needless to say, Dricus Du Plessis looks likely to defend his belt against ‘Borz’. But before he takes on the Russian on in the Octagon, he took to social media to talk about a matchup against Chimaev, and make a prediction for the coming year with the status of a double champion in his aim. He said, “I beat Robert Whittaker… Sean Strickland, [and] Israel Adesanya. Then I beat Khamzat Chimaev. That warrants a double title fight.”

But the Chechen Wolf was beaming with confidence as he stumbled upon Du Plessis’ plan for 2025. Taking to X, he pushed down a handful of laughing emojis. With the kind of performance that he showed at UFC 308, Du Plessis was forced to sideline Sean Strickland and get excited for ‘Borz’ to get a title shot. But the outcome of the fight is something that only time can tell.

While the middleweight division was up in chaos, the ‘Mystic Mac’ provided yet another teaser about his epic comeback. Let’s see what it was all about. 

Conor McGregor sends ripples with his training footage

Conor McGregor has stayed out of action ever since he snapped his leg in two at UFC 264. The Irish mixed martial artist was set to return against Michael Chandler at UFC 303, but a broken pinky toe destroyed all hopes of an epic return. But McGregor hasn’t stopped grinding. He has shared multiple videos of his workouts and sparring sessions on social media, teasing his UFC return. 

Now, the former UFC double champion took to Instagram and shared a few videos of him training his groundwork skills on his stories. It seemed to be a timed session, where ‘The Notorious’ had to take his sparring partner down and submit him within the stipulated time. 

‘Mystic Mac’ showcased his skills at various positions, trying to tap his partner out. While the Irishman was a bit slower than his usual self, the skills he displayed were impeccable. Be it moving from side control to guillotine, full mount to armbar, or back control to rear naked choke, McGregor seemed to have drilled it to perfection. All that needed to do was get on the Octagon and show the world everything he practiced. 

But that’s not all that happened in the fighting world. Dana White got a warm welcome into the boxing realm as Eddie Hearn talked about the UFC head honcho’s new venture.

Eddie Hearn welcomes Dana White into the boxing world with a reality check

Dana White has been planning to enter the realm of the squared rings for a long time now. Needless to say, this venture would surely raise the hype around boxing. Well, that’s what Hearn liked to believe. Talking about White’s venture, he said, “Frustratingly for him – because it’s a real different model. He’s a very bright guy that’s incredibly successful, but he has had the benefit –and he’s the reason they’ve had the benefit – of fighters having contracts where they don’t have a choice who they fight.” 

However, the world of boxing is a lot different from MMA. “And boxing, with its advisors and lawyers and managers, is very, very different and very frustrating. And I’m not sure what the model or play will be from those guys. But it won’t be easy to come in and be a major player at the elite level of the sport,” Hearn said. Nevertheless, the impact that White’s entry could have on the sport is truly significant. He continued, “I hope Dana gets involved in boxing, I think it’d be great for us.”

Well, that brings us to the end of today’s MMA News Roundup. What are your thoughts about Khamzat’s response? When do you think McGregor would make his return? What do you think of White’s venture into boxing? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.