Dricus du Plessis, the UFC middleweight champion, has spoken out against Khamzat Chimaev’s team’s explanation for his recent title loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328. Chimaev’s camp attributed his performance and eventual split-decision defeat to a difficult weight cut, with training partners like Arman Tsarukyan stating that shedding the final pounds to make 185 lbs was a “nightmare.”
However, du Plessis, who is known for his own demanding weight cuts, believes these excuses are unfounded and even “ridiculous.” He stated that cutting 12 pounds in 24 hours, as reportedly experienced by Chimaev, is “rookie numbers” and that he himself has endured more severe cuts in the same timeframe. Du Plessis emphasized that while a tough weight cut can happen, it should not be used as a reason for losing a fight.
The South African fighter advised Chimaev to adopt a more disciplined approach to his training and weight management. He suggested that better discipline would lead to an easier weight cut. Furthermore, du Plessis proposed that if Chimaev consistently struggles with making the middleweight limit, he should consider moving up to the light heavyweight division.
Following his loss, Chimaev initially expressed interest in moving up to light heavyweight to Dana White. However, he has since publicly called out Sean Strickland for a rematch. Training footage has also surfaced, indicating that Chimaev is preparing for this potential second encounter.