Dricus du Plessis is clearly not very confident that his next opponent will make it to the Octagon on August 16.
The UFC middleweight champion is preparing for his third title defense against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319.
Du Plessis himself pushed for the fight with Chimaev after the undefeated contender`s decisive win over Robert Whittaker last October.
This fight marked `Borz`s triumphant return to the Octagon after his health issues, where he reminded everyone of his capabilities.
To be prepared for any eventuality with either fighter, the promotion has already designated a backup participant for UFC 319 in Chicago.
Dricus du Plessis Jokes About Fighting Nassourdine Imavov Instead of Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319
An initial report from RMC Sport stating that Nassourdine Imavov will serve as the backup fighter for UFC 319 has now been confirmed by several sources.
The number one ranked contender at 185 pounds will travel to Chicago and is prepared to step into the main event should anything happen to either Dricus du Plessis or Khamzat Chimaev.
Recently, the reigning middleweight champion has demonstrated excellent reliability in making it to his fights, despite previous injuries that caused layoffs.
Injuries and health problems have been a significant topic throughout Chimaev`s UFC career, substantially slowing his momentum due to forced inactivity.
The 31-year-old fighter suffered lingering effects from COVID-19, and more serious concerns led to the cancellation of his initial fight with Robert Whittaker, originally scheduled for June 2024.
Fans are hopeful that Chimaev has overcome these issues, but this history will inevitably be used as ammunition by the current champion, who is known for his pointed remarks.
Following the initial reports of Imavov being on standby, du Plessis jokingly suggested the promotion might as well make the switch immediately.
“Guess I`m fighting Nassourdine Imavov,” he quipped.
Nassourdine Imavov Trained with Khamzat Chimaev Before Eyeing a Title Shot Ahead of Him
After his knockout victory over Israel Adesanya in February, Nassourdine Imavov felt he deserved the next title opportunity.
Many believed Khamzat Chimaev had already earned that shot, even though he couldn`t fight for the title immediately due to the rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland.
Imavov had previously trained with Chimaev before his fight with Brendan Allen, where `The Sniper` extended his winning streak to three.
The French contender previously called out du Plessis on social media, claiming `Stillknocks` hadn`t given him the same opportunities that allowed Du Plessis himself to become champion.
Rupert Hartwell