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Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Dricus Du Plessis (blue gloves) celebrates defeating Sean Strickland (red glove) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images \/ Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images<\/p>\n
The du Plessis-Chimaev hype doesn’t need to be retold. It’s arguably the biggest title fight in divisional history, as both men combine for a 37-2 overall record (17-0 in the UFC).<\/p>\n
Du Plessis (23-2 MMA) feels unbothered by Chimaev’s (14-0 MMA) softer side as the two exchanged an interaction earlier this week ahead of Wednesday’s pre-fight media day with on-site reporters, including MMA Knockout on Sports Illustrated. Simply put, getting the victory is what matters most to du Plessis.<\/p>\n
“I’m not going out there to fight his fight,” Du Plessis said. <\/a>“I’m going out there to do what Dricus does, and that is be a world champion.”<\/p>\n Sep 10, 2022; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Khamzat Chimaev (red gloves) fights Kevin Holland (blue gloves) during UFC 279 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images \/ Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images<\/p>\n Chimaev, however, told Main Event TV<\/a> that his sights are set on continuing to fight close to home. Therefore, “Borz” is treating the title fight against du Plessis as a one-off before eventually returning to overseas locations like the UAE, for example.<\/p>\n “After that, I hope we get in Abu Dhabi as well, defend the belt,” Chimaev said regarding his future plans. “No [I don\u2019t want to fight in America more], I wanna fight in UAE, bro. You make more money there, that\u2019s my country, I represent that country, the best country in the world, so I\u2019m always happy to fight there,<\/p>\n READ MORE: UFC 319 main card predictions: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev and other coinflip fights<\/a><\/p>\n For now, though, the fight remains the key focus as it tops a 13-fight card that has undergone changes\u00a0over the last several hours on Wednesday night and earlier in the day on Thursday. Luckily, the main event remains unaffected with two days to go until fight night.<\/p>\n The promotion’s return to “The Windy City” will get a local feel for Thursday’s presser, as it takes place from the Radius Theater in East Pilsen. The same venue will play host to Friday’s ceremonial weigh-in hosted by UFC color commentator Joe Rogan, who’s back on mic duties after missing UFC 318 last month.<\/p>\n Check out the live stream below, courtesy of the UFC.<\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0UFC 319 fighter owns one of the most devastating knockouts in MMA history<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0UFC Champion Kayla Harrison could face the winner of this massive fight<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Earlier UFC start times for events coming soon?<\/a><\/p>\n \u2022\u00a0Dana White gives vague update on UFC fighter salary with new TV deal announcement<\/a><\/p>\n Stick with\u00a0MMAKnockout<\/a>\u00a0for more FREE coverage of the UFC and MMA.<\/p>\n Follow MMAKnockout on\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>, and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n