Ex-UFC title challenger pitches ‘enjoyable’ subsequent combat for Dricus du Plessis after disappointing Khamzat Chimaev dud

When Dricus du Plessis returns, it will likely be for his first combat as a UFC middleweight contender since 2023.

This previous Saturday, Du Plessis topped a pay-per-view lineup for the fourth time in a row. He arrived in Chicago 3-0 in that class, having defeated Sean Strickland twice and Israel Adesanya in numbered occasion headliners.

But that undefeated run and his good promotional report is not any extra after what unfolded at UFC 319. Du Plessis was dominated by Khamzat Chimaev, who racked up over 21 minutes of management time and a report 529 strikes en path to a lopsided choice.

After the cardboard on the United Center, a lot of the main target has been on what lies forward for the newly topped middleweight king. But an ex-UFC star just lately contemplated the way forward for the now-former champion.

Dan Hardy pitches Anthony Hernandez as the following opponent for Dricus du Plessis

Despite being one of many promotion’s longest-reigning energetic champions previous to UFC 319, the one-sided nature of Du Plessis’ loss to Chimaev would appear to have taken a right away rematch off the desk.

With that in thoughts, ‘Borz’ is probably going taking a look at different contenders, chief amongst them being Nassourdine Imavov and Caio Borralho. The pair will meet within the UFC Paris fundamental occasion, a combat Chimaev says is “for sure” a title eliminator.

If the winner does get the following shot, that would go away a few different high contenders mulling their subsequent strikes in Reinier de Ridder and Anthony Hernandez.

Former welterweight title challenger Dan Hardy pointed to the latter as the proper opponent for Du Plessis’ first combat after shedding the title in a lackluster affair at UFC 319.

“Hernandez, maybe that’s the right next step for (Du Plessis) and ‘Fluffy’,” Hardy mentioned throughout an look on Submission Radio.

“I think the scrambling ability of Du Plessis would be more problematic for Hernandez’s style. I also think Hernandez would be way more willing to scrap on the feet.

“It would be a fun five-rounder if they could get it over five rounds,” Hardy added.

“Hernandez is probably a good pick. He’s on his way up. (Put him against) a former champion, see if he is ready.”

Anthony Hernandez thinks he can ‘drown’ Khamzat Chimaev

While beating Du Plessis would definitely go a protracted option to securing Hernandez a primary title shot, ‘Fluffy’ has been staking his declare for a right away alternative.

After a front-row view of the UFC 319 fundamental occasion, Hernandez known as for the Chimaev combat. Far from being delay by the brand new champ’s dominance in Chicago, the American claimed he may “drown” Chimaev along with his famend cardio.

“Congratulations to him, it was a pretty f—— boring fight, not gonna lie,” Hernandez advised ESPN Deportes. “But man, call me for the fight.

“I can wrestle, I can do jiu-jitsu, I can stop all the s— and I can shut him down, and with my gas tank man, I’ll drown him, I promise.”

Hernandez has gained eight fights in a row to place himself in title rivalry, most just lately in dominant vogue in opposition to Roman Dolidze of their Apex fundamental occasion earlier this month.