Khamzat Chimaev vs Dricus du Plessis 'confirmed' as per UFC President Dana White
UFC president Dana White has seemingly confirmed that a blockbuster title fight between middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis and undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev is set, thrilling fans eager for a major announcement.
White revealed after UFC Kansas that the middleweight division will see its next champion vs challenger showdown sooner rather than later.
"We all know that fight's happening," White said. "The du Plessis vs. Khamzat fight, it's happening. It's just not happening in International Fight Week… But that fight's done."
When pushed further on the topic regarding when an official announcement can be expected by UFC fans, White jokingly proclaimed 'this year.'
Chimaev, who has compiled a 14-0 record in dominant fashion since joining the UFC, recently defeated former champions Kamaru Usman and Robert Whittaker.
Known for his powerful wrestling and relentless pace, the Chechen-Swedish fighter is viewed as a serious threat to du Plessis' reign.
Du Plessis, however, enters the bout on an equally impressive streak, having defeated Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland (twice), Robert Whittaker, and Derek Brunson to claim and defend the middleweight crown.
His combination of striking and resilience has made him one of the most respected fighters in the division.
Betting lines have already opened with Chimaev listed as the early favourite, owing to his wrestling pedigree and finishing prowess.
Du Plessis also posted recently on Instagram teasing fight announcement, with the caption 'It's time!'.
Meanwhile, the much-hyped potential heavyweight bout between Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall remains in negotiation limbo.
Despite Aspinall's dominant victories over Alexander Volkov, Sergei Pavlovich, and Curtis Blaydes, a deal to face Jones has yet to be finalized — a point of frustration among UFC fans.
As excitement builds for du Plessis vs Chimaev, UFC fans can expect an official date announcement soon, with White promising more blockbuster cards for the second half of 2025.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business Recorder
a day ago
- Business Recorder
Spurs women coach Vilahamn sacked after poor season
Tottenham Hotspur have sacked their women's team coach Robert Vilahamn after the club finished 11th in the Women's Super League, the club said on Sunday. Just like the men's side this season, the women's team also finished one spot above the relegation zone, recording only five wins from 22 matches. Swedish coach Vilahamn had guided Spurs to sixth the previous year while they also finished runners-up in the FA Cup. But this season they suffered some heavy defeats by Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City, finishing the campaign without a win in their last 10 league games. 'There have been some special moments during Robert's tenure, including reaching the FA Cup final for the first time,' the club said in a statement. 'However, results and performances this season have not been to the level we would expect and now is the right time to make a change. 'We should like to thank Robert for his professionalism and efforts over the past two seasons, and we wish him well for the future.' Vilahamn's departure comes two days after the club sacked men's team coach Ange Postecoglou. The Australian ended the club's 17-year trophy drought by winning the Europa League but Spurs finished 17th in the Premier League.
Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Express Tribune
Olympian Sabrina will attempt to climb K2
"I really did it, finally arrived in Skardu 2 days ago, after an incredibly difficult and challenging day from Gilgit to Skardu," the four-time Olympian judoka Sabrina Filzmoser texted as she achieved the incredible feat of becoming the first woman in Pakistan's history to complete the journey of 2,324 km in just 10 days. This is the first time a female cyclist has covered a long-distance ride in such a short time under extreme weather conditions, according to the Pakistan Judo Federation. Sabrina has been a breath of fresh air for the local judo clubs, as well as along the way, where she trained with the youngsters, highlighting the conditions they are pursuing in the sport. The greatest feature of Sabrina's journey has been her open-hearted interactions with the people on the road and those she met at her stops. She has been featuring Pakistani music on her Instagram as well as the incredible moments from her experience on Pakistani roads. Her efforts show that she has been immersed in the Pakistani culture through her incredible initiative. This is also the second time that the 2011 and 2008 European Judo Championship gold medallist is in Pakistan, previously she visited and trained the locals in judo and cycling on her journey in 2023. But this time it is different because the 44-year-old is fulfilling her aim of riding from the sea level to K2. On her reaching in Skardu Sabrina reflected on her effort with joy and pride. "It was a challenging day from Gilgit to Skardu, 14 hours on the road, rain, heat, headwind, crosswind, mudslides, rockfalls, blockages, technical issues, but it's all done and dusted. Safely in Gilgit-Baltistan," she text this correspondent on Thursday. "Now I will spend time preparing for the expedition, working on the permits, train with the Baltistan cycling club and the Judokids. "Then there'll be a possible one further section on MTB to Askole, probably starting in 10 days, and from there we'll the trek on the Baltoro glacier. "K2 base camp is very remote, we need at least 1 week to reach it from Askole. Afterward acclimatization period will start, and the actual K2-climbing is possible in a short window end of July/beginning of August." The Austrian athlete covered 2,324 km on her bike, the total altitude she gained was 118,386 meters, and spent 111.45 hours on the road, according to the statistics shared by the Pakistan Judo Federation secretary Masood Ahmed. Sabrina has taken up this journey on her own resources, however, the PJF is helping with logistics wherever they can. Sabrina began her journey when she arrived in Karachi on May 21. She immediately took to her engagement with the media and the Sindh Olympic Association, went to the mausoleum of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, and cycled her way from the Seaview. She then went on to complete the first leg upwards from Karachi to Hyderabad and then Sukkur in sweltering temperatures of 48 to 52 degrees Celsius. From there onwards she reached Rahim Yar Khan to Lahore and then the nation's capital in Islamabad. Later the International Judo Federation Athletes' Commission chairperson went ahead to Gilgit-Baltistan. Break for the International Judo Fed meeting Sabrina will resume her ambitious project of climbing K2 after a week's break. She returned to Islamabad after spending a few days in Skardu and will be leaving for Budapest on June 7 due to her commitment to the IFJ. "I just arrived in Islamabad and will leave for an important commitment as the chair of the IJF athletes commission to the Judo world championships in Budapest," Sabrina updated this correspondent. "I will be back in Islamabad on 14.6. next day to Skardu from where I further continue my way to K2." After attending the IJF meeting on 11 June 2025, the two-time World Judo Championship bronze-medallist will resume her mission from Skardu to the K2 base camp and then the K2 summit attempt upon her return. She is expected to return to Islamabad again around August 2025, after the conclusion of the second phase of her mission, according to the PJF press update. Key stats from Sabrina's Garmin Edge device: Total distance: 2,324 km Total altitude gained: 118,386 meters Time on road: 111.45 hours.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
Ryan Lochte and Kayla Reid divorce after 7 years of marriage and 3 kids
Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte and his wife Kayla Reid are officially ending their marriage after seven years. Kayla confirmed the news via Instagram on Wednesday, June 4, revealing she filed for divorce earlier this year after careful reflection. 'Earlier this year, I made the hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection,' Reid wrote. 'This has been one of the most painful, revealing, and challenging seasons of my life.' Court records show the official filing was submitted on March 26. The couple, who met in 2016 during the Rio Olympics year, share three children: Caiden Zane, nearly 8, Liv Rae, almost 6, and Georgia June, who turns 2 later this month. They got engaged in October 2016 and were married in 2018. In her emotional statement, Reid said the decision to leave was driven by love and the need to protect herself and her children. 'Staying isn't always the most loving decision someone can make. For me, leaving was an act of love,' she added. Lochte, a 12-time Olympic medalist, has not publicly commented on the split. The announcement follows a difficult year for the athlete, who previously spoke about recovering from a near-fatal car accident in 2023 and the resulting mental health struggles. Kayla concluded her statement with a message of faith and hope. 'I believe God is still at work — even in the breaking,' she said, emphasizing resilience and personal growth.
