Since Dana White shared his consent for Khamzat Chimaev vs Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 317 on June 28, everyone in the MMA community remains excited to see this fight take place. Some reactions show that fans are eager for this battle.
If the company doesn’t sort out this lineup for UFC 317, the show’s special charm will definitely be lost. In the mix, UFC legend Michael Bisping also shared his gut feeling recently. His outlook is positive about the fight, even though there is no official confirmation.
Michael Bisping Has a Positive ‘Gut Feeling’ for UFC 317 Fight
As UFC 317 draws closer, former middleweight champion Michael Bisping has shared his thoughts on the potential title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis. Although the fight is not official yet, Bisping has a strong feeling it will happen at International Fight Week. He believes Chimaev’s impressive performances and UFC’s need for a big matchup make it likely.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Bisping made it clear that he has no inside info from UFC, but he’s confident the fight will take place in June. “Speaking of International Fight Week,. This is not based on any insider knowledge from the UFC. I’ve got a feeling that we’re going to see Khamzat Chimaev against Dricus du Plessis,” Bisping stated.
Bisping also praised Chimaev’s powerful win over Robert Whittaker. He said that after such a dominant performance, Chimaev deserves a shot at the title.
“The way he destroyed Robert Whittaker, that stamp that he put on that fight, crushing his teeth out! Of course, give the man a title fight. Give him Dricus Du Plessis at the International Fight Week… Dricus Du Plessis will be by far the toughest fight. That sounded stupid, because he’s the champion.”
Bisping Has a Backup Plan if Chimaev’s Fight Doesn’t Happen
As Khamzat Chimaev’s team remains quite positive about the fight happening at UFC 317, there’s still hope that it will become official, even though it’s currently on hold. However, MMA journalist Kevin Loel mentioned that he heard Dricus du Plessis is injured, which could change the scheduled fight date of June 28.
I’m excited for DDP vs Khamzat but if Dricus did pull out with injury, then Chimaev is the last guy who can complain after the pullout and health issues he’s had. https://t.co/h4JCuwlxLr pic.twitter.com/gSvYKqul2y
— Val Dewar (Creole Maple Hot Sauce Enjoyer) (@the3els) April 20, 2025
Given the uncertainty, Michael Bisping has revealed a potential backup plan that could still bring excitement to International Fight Week.
He said, “Caio Borralho was talking to Daniel Cormier, and he said that he’s fighting Imavov. Now, the beauty of that match-up in the International fight week is that, if Dricus fights Khamzat and somebody gets injured, then they automatically get a short-notice replacement. On the card, ready to go.”
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