In a dramatic turn of events at UFC 328, Dricus du Plessis has taken a firm stance against Khamzat Chimaev’s claims that a challenging weight cut was to blame for his loss to Sean Strickland. The fight marked Chimaev’s first title defense in the middleweight division, following his victory over du Plessis last August.
Chimaev’s struggles during the fight were evident, especially after a strong start in the first round. As the match progressed, he appeared to slow down, ultimately losing by split decision. The aftermath has been rife with speculation, particularly around Chimaev’s weight cut, which his brother Artur and training partner Arman Tsarukyan have suggested hampered his performance.
However, du Plessis isn’t buying into the weight cut excuse. “I find it quite ridiculous,” he expressed in a recent interview with Fight Forecast. He dismissed the notion that Chimaev’s weight cut was overly severe, pointing out that cutting 12 pounds in 24 hours is not uncommon in the sport. “I’ve done more than that,” he added, emphasizing that while weight cuts can be tough, they shouldn’t serve as a scapegoat for a loss.
Du Plessis acknowledged that many fighters face challenges during weight cuts but insisted that once in the octagon, excuses should be left behind. “If you want to change weight divisions, do it. But blaming a weight cut is akin to saying you lost because you weren’t fit. It’s on you to be disciplined,” he stated.
Despite Chimaev’s difficulties, he still managed to put up a fight against Strickland, who successfully countered Chimaev’s wrestling attempts and relied on striking to secure his victory. Du Plessis was surprised to see the match end in a split decision, noting, “It was clear to me that Strickland won three rounds to two.”
Strickland’s victory not only crowned him a two-time champion but also handed Chimaev his first defeat in 16 professional bouts. Following the fight, UFC CEO Dana White indicated that Chimaev might consider moving up to the light heavyweight division, although there are reports that Chimaev’s team is pushing for an immediate rematch.
Du Plessis remains uncertain about Chimaev’s next steps but believes that Strickland should not be pressured into a quick rematch. “Khamzat is still an incredible fighter, but this loss could either break him or motivate him to evolve his game,” he remarked. “He’s expressed interest in moving to 205, which could ease the weight cut burden, but his intentions seem to shift frequently.”
As fans eagerly await Chimaev’s next move, the question remains: will he rise from this setback stronger than ever, or will it lead him down a different path?
