UFC Champ Dricus Du Plessis
Khamzat Is ‘Largest Combat Of My Life’
… Crucial For GOAT Aim
Printed
TMZSports.com
Dricus Du Plessis has taken over two dozen UFC fights and numerous others exterior of the promotion, however he tells TMZ Sports activities his hardest match ever will come on Saturday evening towards Khamzat Chimaev.
The present middleweight champ made no bones about it throughout a sitdown with Michael Babcock earlier this month … explaining the UFC 319 essential occasion tilt won’t solely be “the toughest,” however “the largest struggle of my life.”
“That is the perfect opponent — up to now,” he stated … including, “Up till now, that is the perfect man. He’s the No. 1 contender on the planet. He’s the perfect man with out a title on the planet.”
Du Plessis, although, is not nervous one bit for the second … the truth is, he seems to be reveling in it — as he is aware of a victory over the undefeated Chimaev might kick begin some best of all-time chatter.
“I wish to be the best fighter ever,” the 31-year-old stated. “Little doubt. I wish to be the GOAT. That is what I’ve chosen. After I began this sport, that is what I needed to be. And I consider the one means simply to get into that dialog is to struggle the perfect of the perfect.”
“And Khamzat Chimaev is the following finest man. There isn’t any doubt. That’s one hundred pc.”
Du Plessis owns a 23-2 report 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 advised us he is completely thrilled to get the chance to do it in the identical constructing the place Michael Jordan turned an icon.
Du Plessis stated seeing His Airness’ monument and strolling by the United Heart gave him “goosebumps” — and, apparently, some further motivation.
“Seeing the statue of Michael Jordan going and saying, ‘One of the best there ever was’ and ‘the perfect there ever might be,’ man. That is what I need. I need that.”
If that alone wasn’t sufficient motivation to tune in … Du Plessis additionally assured the struggle won’t disappoint.
“We’ll stay as much as that hype,” he stated.
