Middleweight tensions rise as Dricus Du Plessis delivers a sharp response to Darren Till’s reported alliance with Khamzat Chimaev!
UFC fighters talk trash all the time. They form alliances and break them as well. It is all part of the game. The latest buzz centers around three major players: Dricus Du Plessis, Khamzat Chimaev, and Darren Till. Each brings their own flavor to the storyline.
Du Plessis, the current UFC middleweight champion, has been on a tear lately. The South African fighter shocked everyone by taking down big names. First Robert Whittaker, then Sean Strickland to claim the gold and finally Israel Adesanya to cement his reign. People keep doubting him and he keeps proving them wrong. His gritty style isn’t always pretty, but it gets results. Nobody expected him to be champion. Yet here he stands, belt firmly around his waist. Now, he is getting ready for arguably the toughest challenge of his career.
Recent reports confirm that Darren Till will reunite with Khamzat Chimaev. The pair had a famous bromance back in 2022. Fans loved their chemistry. Social media ate it up. But things cooled when Till was let go from the UFC after losing 5 of his last fights. Now they are getting the band back together for a very specific purpose: to dethrone Du Plessis.
“He asked me to come over and help with the striking stuff. So I said I would. If the stars align for that I’d love to get over for that… I spend loads of time in Dubai” Till revealed to Bloody Elbow.
The timing makes sense. Till has firsthand experience fighting Du Plessis. Their 2023 clash saw Till controlling quite a lot of the action. He looked good in the second round. Victory seemed likely. Then Du Plessis did what he always does. He found a way to win. A late takedown led to a submission victory via Neck Crank.
This experience makes Till valuable to Chimaev’s camp. He knows Du Plessis’ tendencies. He felt his power. He understands the champion’s never-say-die attitude. His input would be invaluable to Khamzat Chimaev if he has to fight Dricus Du Plessis.
Dricus Du Plessis didn’t stay quiet when news broke about this reunion. His response came quick and sharp. The champion took to social media with a simple but cutting message.
“Good. The two of you will finally have something in common.”
The comment reminded everyone that he has already handled Till. The submission victory stays fresh in everyone’s memory. Du Plessis seems almost amused by Till’s coaching role. He views it as an opportunity to complete a collection, beating both friends in similar fashion!
This confidence isn’t unfounded. Du Plessis keeps defying the odds. Bookmakers bet against him. Analysts doubt him. Opponents underestimate him. Yet he continues to have his hand raised. His ability to snatch victory when defeat seems certain has become legendary. Just when you think he’s beaten, he finds a way!
(Image Credit: Dan Hamilton – Imagn Images)
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