Sean Strickland’s potential immediate rematch with Khamzat Chimaev has drawn sharp criticism from Dricus du Plessis just days after UFC 328.
What did Dricus du Plessis say?
Dricus du Plessis, the former UFC middleweight champion, dismissed the idea of a Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev rematch as “ridiculous” and lacking sporting logic. In an interview with Submission Radio on 12 July 2026, du Plessis argued that Chimaev hasn’t earned another crack at Strickland so soon after their UFC 328 defeat.
He added that if the promotion pushes the rematch anyway, he’ll simply focus on his own path back to the top. “The Khamzat rematch is ridiculous. It doesn’t make any sense,” du Plessis said. “If they do it, it is what it is. It will be crazy, but let them do what they need to do.”
Why does this matter for Sean Strickland?
The debate over Strickland’s next move has intensified since UFC 328, where he defended his middleweight title. Chimaev, the former titleholder, has publicly campaigned for an immediate rematch, posting on X: “Accept the fight, don’t run, I’ll beat you anyway. The sooner this happens, the easier it will be to breathe.”
Strickland’s camp has yet to confirm whether a rematch will be booked. But the pressure from Chimaev and the division’s top contenders is mounting. Du Plessis, who lost his own title in his last outing, insists he’s focused on proving himself again—not chasing rival narratives.
What’s next for the middleweight division?
Du Plessis made clear he’s not fixated on Chimaev. “Obviously Khamzat would be the preference,” he said. “But it’s about being the champion. I’m not chasing people. I’m chasing being the best.”
He suggested he’d welcome a future meeting with Chimaev—if the Swede wins the title first. “If he becomes champion, I would prefer to fight him and get that win back,” du Plessis said. “But it’s not something I’m set on.”
Meanwhile, Strickland remains the division’s gatekeeper. His next fight, whether against Chimaev or another contender, will shape the middleweight landscape for months to come.
Chimaev keeps pushing for rematch after UFC 328
Chimaev has been relentless in his pursuit of a second shot at Strickland. Despite earlier hints from UFC CEO Dana White that Chimaev might move up to light heavyweight, the former champion has repeatedly stated his priority is reclaiming the 185-pound strap.
His latest social media post renewed the call: “Accept the fight, don’t run, I’ll beat you anyway. The sooner this happens, the easier it will be to breathe.”
With du Plessis and other top contenders weighing in, the pressure on the UFC to schedule the rematch—or pivot to a new title challenger—is growing by the day.