Khamzat Chimaev backed by UFC star for long-term reign after Dricus Du Plessis win

Sean O'Malley has boldly tipped Khamzat Chimaev to dominate for the foreseeable future and does not see anyone defeating him in anytime soon.

Chimaev has been an unstoppable presence since joining the organisation in 2020, but encountered his toughest challenge yet this month against Dricus Du Plessis. The South African had captured UFC gold by defeating Sean Strickland and was expected to hold the middleweight crown for years ahead.

Nevertheless, Chimaev had different ideas. The unbeaten 185lb contender secured his title shot after dismantling Robert Whittaker. He proceeded to ruthlessly control Du Plessis throughout, before being crowned the new middleweight champion.

Following a turbulent period, the 31-year-old is eager to stay busy in the octagon. Chimaev has struggled with numerous bout cancellations, alongside injuries and health issues, in recent times, reports All Out Fighting. When he does compete, however, he ranks among the best fighters in the world - able to finish anyone.

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With Chimaev now holding the title, O'Malley has tipped 'Borz' to retain it for a considerable period. "I just don't see anyone beating Khamzat," he told the One Night with Steiny podcast. "To be honest, I don't see anybody lasting as long as DDP did. Like DDP survived, which was impressive in itself. Khamzat is a finisher. He's a killer."

Despite 12 of his 15 career victories coming by way of knockout, many were shocked that Chimaev failed to secure a stoppage. However, former bantamweight champion O'Malley suggests this might be a recurring theme. "I just don't see that many exciting fights in the future ... they'll be big fights because he's a star," O'Malley commented. "He's a superstar. He's exciting. But it's just like who do you give that guy?"

As for who Chimaev will face next, it's still up in the air. He had hoped for a swift return against Reinier de Ridder, but UFC boss Dana White recently confirmed that De Ridder is set to fight Anthony Hernandez at UFC Vancouver on 18 October - a week before Chimaev's preferred comeback date.

De Ridder and Hernandez are due to go head-to-head in a potential title eliminator. Meanwhile, two other UFC fighters with their sights set on a middleweight title shot will square off a month earlier at UFC Paris on 6 September. Nassourdine Imavov is set to take on Caio Borralho in the main event. With this announcement and Imavov's bout with Borralho scheduled for next month, it appears Chimaev may have to wait a bit longer for his next match.

When is Khamzat Chimaev's next fight?

Following White's recent confirmation, it would be surprising if Chimaev steps into the octagon again this year. While UFC 322 and UFC 323 are yet to be announced, the aforementioned middleweight contenders may need more time to prepare for the champion.

Chimaev is certainly not planning on going anywhere. Ahead of his bout with Du Plessis, whispers started to spread about Chimaev potentially hanging up his gloves if he came out on top - but he was quick to quash these audacious claims. Speaking to ESPN, he said: "Yeah, I've seen Caio said... I don't know where he hears those things.

"I need money bro. This is not enough, just to go for the one title. Hopefully if I don't get injured or some stuff, gonna defend the belt or fight for other belt in Abu Dhabi, as well." The 31-year-old pledged to continue fighting beyond UFC 319 as he sets his sights on triumph in multiple weight divisions.

"I work with a new coach and talk to him about going down again to 170lb. He said gimme a couple months and I'm gonna make it. I don't know who is the champ there, this Australian guy would be a good fight for me," he added. "Go down, fight with him as well, take the belt there. If I go up, there is Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, they're fighting now. Whoever's winning, I can fight for that belt, as well."