Dricus du Plessis, the former UFC middleweight champion, has weighed in on Khamzat Chimaev's controversial weight cut excuse following his loss to Sean Strickland at UFC 328. Du Plessis, known for his sharp commentary, called out Chimaev's post-fight excuse, labeling it as 'ridiculous'.
Du Plessis, who has firsthand experience with challenging weight cuts, understands the struggles but believes using it as an excuse is unprofessional. He argued that while a bad weight cut can happen to anyone, it's the responsibility of the fighter to be disciplined and prepared. He emphasized that once inside the Octagon, there are no excuses, and fighters must take their losses like men.
This isn't the first time Chimaev has faced scrutiny for his weight management. In 2022, Dana White revealed that Chimaev's weight cut ended after he locked and cramping, further fueling the debate. Du Plessis' comments highlight the importance of accountability in combat sports, suggesting that excuses can undermine a fighter's credibility.
As Chimaev recovers from his loss, the MMA community awaits his next move. Du Plessis, currently ranked No. 2 at 185 pounds, is also preparing for his upcoming fight, adding to the excitement in the middleweight division. The ongoing drama surrounding Chimaev's weight cuts and his future in the UFC will undoubtedly keep fans engaged and eager for more.
