Henry Cejudo admits he was wrong about Khamzat Chimaev and calls for Dricus Du Plessis showdown

Khamzat Chimaev made a monumental statement at UFC 308 on Saturday, submitting seasoned veteran Robert Whittaker with a lethal face crank in the opening round.

The unbeaten technician has cemented his status as one of the most formidable finishers at middleweight, with six of his eight UFC outings ending inside the distance.

Not only that, but the 30-year-old has now removed any doubt over his world-level credentials following his emphatic display against former champion Robert Whittaker.

And so, with MMA fans clamoring to see a mouthwatering clash between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus Du Plessis, it would appear that a title shot could be just around the corner.

Read More [Khamzat Chimaev should ‘let the dust settle’ on DDP vs Strickland before pushing for the next middleweight title shot]

Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLCHenry Cejudo calls for Khamzat Chimaev to leapfrog Sean Strickland following UFC 308The middleweight landscape in MMA’s flagship promotion is red-hot, with several appetizing matchups just waiting to be made.

Du Plessis, of course, is leading the line following his scintillating fourth-round submission over legendary fighter Israel Adesanya at UFC 305.

But still, the South African has unfinished business with former foe Sean Strickland after edging a highly contentious split decision in their compelling battle earlier this year.

And while a date for their second encounter is yet to be announced, it is widely mooted that the pair will lock horns once again in 2025.

MMA icon Henry Cejudo, however, believes that Chimaev deserves a shot at the top dog before Strickland is given his rematch.

“I was wrong about Khamzat Chimaev,” Cejudo said on Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru & Henry.

“He pretty much did the same thing that Khabib [Nurmagomedov] did to Conor McGregor. I mean, this guy studies Khabib, like, he really does.

“He went out there and pretty much face cranked [Whittaker]. We need to skip Sean Strickland and put Khamzat Chimaev in there [with Du Plessis].

“Give Khamzat Chimaev that damn title shot.”

Read More [Sean Strickland breaks his silence after Khamzat Chimaev destroys Robert Whittaker’s jaw and calls for title shot at UFC 308]

Dricus Du Plessis welcomes a potential showdown with Khamzat ChimaevWhile Chimaev is undoubtedly one of the UFC’s most complete wrestlers, Du Plessis has nonetheless refused to swerve the fearsome contender.

Rather, in the wake of his career-best win, the 30-year-old acknowledged on social media that he will eventually be compelled to defend his trinket against the Russian.

Feel really sorry for Rob he looked super ready but this is the fight game well done on a good performance Khamzat
That being said I can’t wait to take your 0

— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) October 27, 2024 View Tweet

Du Plessis, too, boasts a win over Whittaker, who found himself on the receiving end of a punishing two-round onslaught when the pair went toe-to-toe last year.

So now, with both Chimaev and Du Plessis holding flawless records in the UFC, a future clash for supremacy at 185 lbs seemingly could not come soon enough.