In keeping with our pricey outdated Uncle Chael, Khamzat Chimaev is ready to be the official backup for this Saturday’s middleweight championship headliner in The Land Down Beneath.
Emanating from the Quodos Financial institution Area in Sydney, Australia, reigning 185-pound titleholder Dricus Du Plessis is ready to place his gold on the road in opposition to Sean Strickland in a rematch greater than a yr within the making.
Initially, reviews claimed that there was no backup in place in case both Strickland or ‘DDP’ discovered themselves unable to compete forward of Battle Night time. Nonetheless, ‘The American Gangster’ is claiming in any other case.
“I think Chimaev is the backup fighter,” Sonnen mentioned in a current video on YouTube. “I don’t believe he’s just the number one contender. The timing of this fight makes it hard to believe they wouldn’t have him booked as a backup.”
To this point, the UFC has not confirmed whether or not or not a backup might be in place.
The UFC is unlikely to verify Khamzat Chimaev’s standing as a backup till weigh-ins
With ‘Borz’ being the subsequent man in line — although Nassourdine Imavov might have one thing to say about that now — for a shot on the division’s prime prize, his being supplied the backup gig is smart. Sadly, we’ll in all probability have to attend till Friday to search out out whether or not or not Chimaev is anticipated to step on the dimensions.
UFC 312’s showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Sean Strickland would be the second-ever assembly between the 2, the primary coming round this similar time final yr when ‘DDP’ dethroned the outspoken American by way of cut up determination to develop into the 14th fighter in UFC historical past to assert the middleweight strap.
