Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis have emerged as two of the most formidable fighters in the UFC’s middleweight division, with their rivalry intensifying over recent years. Chimaev, known for his relentless grappling and striking, has been on an impressive winning streak since his UFC debut. His rapid ascent through the ranks has positioned him as a top contender for the middleweight title. After his dominant victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, he expressed interest in facing the champion ‘Stillknocks’.

The potential matchup between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis has garnered significant attention, with fans and analysts speculating about the outcome. As of now, the fight has not been officially scheduled, but the rivalry between ‘Borz’ and ‘Stillknocks’ continues to build, with both fighters positioning themselves for a potential showdown that could have significant implications for the middleweight division. While speaking to Helen Yee, Luke Rockhold shared his honest opinion on the potential clash.

While he did credit Chimaev for his skill, he believes the fight will be a tough clash. He said, “I mean it’s a tough test. I think him versus Strickland is a sexier match-up. I think they have a history and it’s more of a builder fight. I think the UFC is probably waiting for that. I mean he’s tough, he’s a straightforward guy. He’s not going to be playing games, you know what I mean? He’s going to go for grappling, but if he doesn’t get what he gets there’s going to be problems, you know what I mean?” 

Even the most dominant fighters encounter setbacks, often due to the physical challenges their bodies present. Khamzat Chimaev has faced his own share of struggles, battling frequent illnesses and undergoing multiple surgeries. While he was able to push through these issues ahead of his fight with Robert Whittaker, lingering questions remain about what’s next for ‘Borz’ in the division.

Khamzat Chimaev shares his plans for the upcoming 2025 year

Khamzat Chimaev’s meteoric rise in the UFC has been nothing short of spectacular. Debuting in 2020, the Chechen-born fighter quickly made headlines by securing two dominant victories just ten days apart, showcasing his relentless grappling and striking. His versatility and ferocity earned him a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters across multiple weight classes. In a recent interview with Aslanbek Badaev during their joint training camp, Khamzat Chimaev reflected on his win over Robert Whittaker and outlined his aspirations for 2025.

The Chechen fighter expressed his intention to compete twice this year, revealing his ambitious plans for the upcoming challenges. When asked if these fights might occur around May or June 2025, Chimaev responded with a simple yes. He said, “Well yes, after Ramadan they will give me a little time to get in shape and fight, and then in October, in Abu Dhabi, [I want] to have two fights in this year in 2025 to win the belt.” 

This news was also shared by Kevin K on his X account where he tweeted, “Khamzat Chimaev wants a May or June Title Shot for his Next Fight. ‘Borz’ then wants to defend his title on the October Card in Abu Dhabi Per Aslanbek_Badaev Interview.”

Are you excited to see Khamzat Chimaev fight twice (or possibly, more times) in 2025? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.