Dricus Du Plessis calls Strickland-Chimaev rematch 'senseless'

Dricus Du Plessis does not understand the case for a Sean Strickland versus Khamzat Chimaev rematch.

Du Plessis, who faces Kamaru Usman this Saturday at UFC Oklahoma City, told reporters during media day that the proposed do-over makes little sense given the résumés involved. "Between the two of them, they have an amazing zero title defenses," he said, per MMA Mania. "So, how do you warrant a rematch? In that case, I have two, so give me a rematch then. I have two wins over the current champion. It makes zero sense."

Du Plessis backs Imavov for next title shot

The former middleweight champion, who lost his belt to Chimaev at UFC 319 last year in a one-sided decision, pointed out that he defended the title twice and beat Strickland in back-to-back fights before dropping the strap. Chimaev has since lost the belt, and Strickland reclaimed it, which has left the 185-pound division scrambled. Chimaev has pushed for an immediate rematch after a close decision loss to Strickland, but Du Plessis said he would rather see Nassourdine Imavov get the next crack. "Strickland will be ready at the end of the year," he said. "I do believe Imavov vs. Strickland is the fight to make."

Du Plessis also suggested that simply beating Usman on Saturday would not guarantee him another title shot. He said the performance would need to remove any doubt that he belongs back in the championship picture. Strickland has publicly agreed with the Imavov suggestion, leaving UFC with several options as the middleweight contender queue piles up. Du Plessis fights Usman at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on July 18.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — UFC Oklahoma City’s Dricus Du Plessis shuts down ‘senseless’ Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev rematch (and he’s kinda right?)