Du Plessis: Chimaev a 'bigger challenge' than Strickland

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis views a matchup with Khamzat Chimaev as a much stiffer test than a rematch against former champ Sean Strickland.

"The Khamzat fight is definitely the bigger challenge," Du Plessis told Submission Radio. "It's something I haven't seen before. It's the unknown.

"In any fight, that's the biggest factor: How strong is this guy? How hard does this guy hit? How deep into the deep waters is this guy willing to go? ... (With) a guy like Sean Strickland, I've seen it all. I know what he can do."

Du Plessis' next title defense is expected to come against either Strickland or Chimaev. UFC CEO Dana White promised Strickland the next title shot earlier this year, but Chimaev made a strong case for jumping the line when he submitted ex-champ Robert Whittaker in the first round at UFC 308 in late October.

Du Plessis, who beat Strickland by split decision in January to become the new 185-pound champion, said last week he hopes the promotion gives the fight to Chimaev.

The South Africa native added that he is willing to return to the Octagon at UFC 312 on Feb. 9 in Sydney, though it remains unclear when his next fight will take place.

A fight between Du Plessis and Chimaev would be highly anticipated, as Chimaev is undefeated at 14-0 and has long been pegged as a future champion.

Du Plessis admitted that beating the Russian-born fighter would not be an easy task.

"It's a very big challenge," Du Plessis said. "Make no mistake, I think Khamzat is an incredible, incredible athlete. He's an incredible wrestler. He can strike, he's tough, he works hard."

He added, "I would love to share the Octagon with him. At the end of the day, I'm there to fight the best guys in the world and show that I am the champion for a reason."

Du Plessis defended his title for the first time at UFC 305 in August, submitting former champ Israel Adesanya in the fourth round.