UFC Champ Dricus Du Plessis
Khamzat Is ‘Greatest Battle Of My Life’
… Obligatory For GOAT Objective
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TMZSports.com
Dricus Du Plessis has taken over two dozen UFC fights and numerous others outdoors of the promotion, however he tells TMZ Sports activities his hardest match ever will come on Saturday night time in opposition to Khamzat Chimaev.
The present middleweight champ made no bones about it throughout a sitdown with Michael Babcock earlier this month … explaining the UFC 319 most important occasion tilt is not going to solely be “the hardest,” however “the biggest fight of my life.”
“This is the best opponent — to date,” he stated … including, “Up until now, this is the best guy. He is the No. 1 contender in the world. He is the best guy without a title in the world.”
Du Plessis, although, is not nervous one bit for the second … in reality, he seems to be reveling in it — as he is aware of a victory over the undefeated Chimaev might kick begin some biggest of all-time chatter.
“I want to be the greatest fighter ever,” the 31-year-old stated. “No doubt. I want to be the GOAT. That’s what I’ve chosen. When I started this sport, that’s what I wanted to be. And I believe the only way just to get into that conversation is to fight the best of the best.”
“And Khamzat Chimaev is the next best guy. There’s no doubt. That is 100 percent.”
Du Plessis owns a 23-2 file and has spectacular Ws over superstars like Sean Strickland, Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker.
However he is aware of a win over the 14-0 Chimaev would vault him into uncommon air … and he informed us he is completely thrilled to get the chance to do it in the identical constructing the place Michael Jordan grew to become an icon.
Du Plessis stated seeing His Airness’ monument and strolling by means of the United Heart gave him “goosebumps” — and, apparently, some additional motivation.
“Seeing the statue of Michael Jordan going and saying, ‘The best there ever was’ and ‘the best there ever will be,’ man. That’s what I want. I want that.”
If that alone wasn’t sufficient motivation to tune in … Du Plessis additionally assured the combat is not going to disappoint.
“We will live up to that hype,” he stated.