Dricus Du Plessis critiques proposed rematch between Strickland and Chimaev

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 16, 2026, 12:54 AM

Last updated Jul 16, 2026

Dricus Du Plessis critiques proposed rematch between Strickland and Chimaev
Summary

Dricus Du Plessis prepares to face Kamaru Usman on July 18, 2026, in the main event of UFC Oklahoma City. Du Plessis questions the merit of a rematch between Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev, stating neither has defended the title. He believes he should be in title contention after beating Usman but emphasizes that performance matters more than just winning. Du Plessis advocates for an Imavov-Strickland fight next instead of a rematch with Chimaev.

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By the Numbers
  • Du Plessis fights Usman on July 18, 2026, in Oklahoma City.
  • He questions the logic of a Strickland vs. Chimaev rematch.
  • Du Plessis has two wins over current champion Strickland.
  • He suggests Imavov should face Strickland next.
  • Chimaev seeks an immediate rematch after losing his title.
Latest Updates
  • 12:49 AMYahoo SportsUFC Oklahoma City’s Dricus du Plessis reflects on first loss in eight years – ‘I hate not being champion’
  • 12:54 AMYahoo SportsUFC Oklahoma City’s Dricus Du Plessis shuts down ‘senseless’ Sean Strickland vs. Khamzat Chimaev rematch (and he’s kinda right?)
What they're saying
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Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, returns to action this weekend (Sat., July 18, 2026) against former Welterweight kingpin, Kamaru Usman, in UFC Oklahoma City’s main event from inside Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Du Plessis will compete for the first time since losing his Middleweight title to Khamzat Chimaev […]

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Make it make sense? Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis returns to action this weekend against former Welterweight kingpin Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Oklahoma City, which goes down Sat., July 18, 2026, inside Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It will be Du Plessis’ first appearance since […]

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