Dricus Du Plessis Rejects Khamzat Chimaev’s Weight-Cut Excuse After UFC 328 Loss
Dricus du Plessis has refuted the notion that Khamzat Chimaev suffered a hard weight cut at UFC 328, stating that losing a ton of weight is part and parcel of the lifestyle for pro fighters. Chimaev lost the UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland by split decision in the main event of UFC 328 at Prudential Center earlier this month.
The fight quickly sparked discussion about Chimaev’s physical condition after teammate Arman Tsarukyan revealed that he had reportedly cut between 12 and 13 pounds during the final 24 hours before weigh-ins. The tough journey could have contributed to Chimaev’s fatigue during the fight.
Du Plessis Rejects the Explanation
Those assertions notwithstanding, Du Plessis made it abundantly clear that the weight cut shouldn’t be a cause for the loss. The former middleweight champ explained in an interview with Fight Forecast why he believed the criticism of Khamzat Chimaev’s weight cut was overblown.
Du Plessis said many pro athletes have suffered equally painful cuts throughout their careers, and that it’s not unusual for a top-tier athlete to lose about 12 pounds from their total weight in the final day.
He also explained that even small differences during a weight cut can affect performance, but insisted that fighters ultimately accept those risks whenever they agree to compete. Du Plessis said he knows what it’s like to have tough cuts himself, and that he thinks all fighters have had times in the past when they felt fatigued after making weight.
Responsibility Falls On the Fighter
The South African went on to say that the professional athlete must take responsibility for his or her actions, rather than resorting to excuses and explanations after a defeat. “It’s the same as saying that they’re not well-prepared after losing a game,” said Dircus.
He said fighters must stay disciplined during camp and avoid pushing their bodies to extremes during fight week. Du Plessis says as soon as a fighter steps into the Octagon, excuses don’t exist, as it is all about the person’s will to win.
He also spoke about the need to consider the wider question of fighters being injured or facing tough conditions. The fighter can decide to abandon a fight if he/she has been injured or has suffered a weight cut, if the injury or weight loss is serious and affects fighting ability. The former UFC champ stressed that “losses are part of the game” and there should be no excuse after the game.
Chimaev’s Future Is Suddenly Uncertain
The UFC 328 defeat immediately put a question mark on Chimaev’s plans. UFC Chief Executive Dana White announced just after the loss that Chimaev had expressed interest in being promoted to the light heavyweight division, after having struggled during the weight cut.
Instead of moving up a division, Chimaev reportedly became focused on an immediate rematch with Strickland after narrowly missing out on the title. Following the competitive nature of the fight and the controversy surrounding Chimaev’s condition during fight week, it remains one of the biggest storylines in the UFC middleweight division.
Rivalry Between Du Plessis and Chimaev Continues
Du Plessis’ comments also added more fuel to his ongoing rivalry with Chimaev. Before his title loss, Du Plessis had been in the same cage twice with Strickland, before he defeated Chimaev for the middleweight title in a commanding fashion.
With Strickland currently in the middleweight division and looking to regain his title, and Chimaev looking to redeem himself, the middleweight division is packed with many contenders and unfinished feuds. Whether Chimaev chooses to stay at 185 pounds or move to light heavyweight, his weight-cut struggles and UFC 328 defeat are likely to remain heavily discussed as his next move approaches.
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