Dricus Du Plessis fires back at Chimaev over ‘murder training’ claims

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis was quick to take note of Khamzat Chimaev’s dark comments about their likely upcoming fight.

Although it’s not official yet, Du Plessis and Chimaev are set to face off later this year. One of the main assumptions ahead of the bout is that Chimaev, as always, will employ a wrestling approach, similar to what he did to Robert Whittaker at UFC 308. The Chechen knocked Whittaker down early in the fight and forced him to submit in the first round.

Du Plessis is therefore preparing intensively for that aspect of the fight, focusing on wrestling and ground fighting. His trainer has revealed that they are preparing for a real “ground war.”

Chimaev, however, is showing no concern. In fact, he is determined to take the belt from the current champion, and in a recent interview with sports journalist Adam Zubayraev, Chimaev commented on his opponent's preparations:

- Let them prepare for war, I prepare for murder - Chimaev said.

Reaction

Du Plessis did not fail to respond and reacted via Instagram story:

‘‘(Laughs) Wow, this is the first time I've heard of this! Shakespeare has joined us,’’ the South African sarcastically replied.

It seems that this fight could bring the excitement factor and everything we need to enjoy it. Chimaev would have to be careful, considering that Du Plessis is a great fighter, who knows how to respond to call outs. We remember that from the past.

Du Plessis has also received similar threats from Sean Strickland, but he defeated him both times – first for the title at UFC 297 and then in a rematch at UFC 312.

Chimaev is hoping to cap his impressive eight-fight UFC win streak with a title shot, and we can’t wait to see if he can pull it off. We eagerly await the UFC’s official confirmation of the bout.