UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis told the media on Thursday that he would have preferred to fight Chechnya fighter Khamzat Chimaev, instead of Sean Strickland for his title defense, and who can blame him?
After all, there are very few fight fans worldwide interested in watching a second fight between Du Plessis and Strickland, as the latter's fight style is rated as uninteresting.
As a result, despite there being two title bouts in the upcoming UFC 312 card, the card has drawn very little excitement despite it being the second international fight week of the year. Strickland, however, is the No 1 ranked contender in the middleweight division and thus has rightfully earned the rematch.
Du Plessis, though, revelaed he would have preferred to fight the undefeated Chimaev, whose fight style always sets arenas alight.
"The re-match was the next one up," Du Plessis explained. "I would have preferred that Khamzat fight but he (Strickland) was the one and here we are."
Following the first fight between Du Plessis and Strickland, it seems that there is now mutual respect between the two fighters. Strickland showed his regard for the current champion and promised another five-round war at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney.
"That's all something we could strive to do, to go out there and want to die," Strickland said, while lauding Du Plessis' fight style. "Congratulations Dricus, for fighting tough."
Du Plessis also acknowledged Strickland's toughness having gone the distance against the American in Toronto, Canada, last year.
"The man is at least willing to throw down. I got to respect that," said Du Plessis. "You can expect a war once again, absolutely. Two guys trying to kill each other."
The main card is scheduled to get underway on Sunday at 5am SAST.