Dricus du Plessis is not shy about where he stands on the middleweight GOAT debate. He’s clear: Anderson Silva is the greatest to ever do it at 185lbs.
But heading into UFC 319, the South African fighter believes that a win over Khamzat Chimaev could put him within touching distance of Silva’s legacy – even with just three title defences to his name.
The Brazilian legend’s record speaks for itself. Ten straight title defences during a reign that still defines the division.
Du Plessis knows he might never match that number, but he thinks his path through top-tier opposition could give him a legitimate claim to the throne with far fewer defences.
Dricus du Plessis raises questions about Anderson Silva’s record
During a media event on Wednesday, Dricus du Plessis was asked to respond to Chris Weidman’s recent comments about his standing in the middleweight division.
Weidman, a former UFC champion himself, said that a win over Khamzat Chimaev would move ‘DDP’ into third place on the all-time 185lb list, ahead of him.
Du Plessis sees things differently and believes that beating Chimaev would put him within reach of Anderson Silva’s top spot.
“Yeah, in terms of the amount of title defenses, for sure. I think Chris Weidman is amazing. I’m a massive, massive fan.
“But when you look at the amount of defenses and you look at a guy like Anderson Silva, for example. I think Anderson Silva is the GOAT because he has always been a hero of mine.
“You have to look also in terms of era of title defenses. Who these guys fought? Did they fight a guy with a part-time job? Did they fight full-time fighters? Was the sport ever as developed as it is right now?
“I can’t take away from any of those guys,” he continued. “I’m just saying, in today’s age of fighting, that amount of defense is not always possible.”
“Right now I still have a long way to go before I’m considered the greatest middleweight or even greatest fighter ever. But after this fight – after this next one – we’re getting very close.”
Dricus du Plessis dismisses worries over size difference with Khamzat Chimaev
Earlier this week, Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev had their first face-off ahead of UFC 319.
Online footage of the brief encounter spread, with fans noting the unbeaten Russian’s apparent size advantage.
When asked about those concerns, Du Plessis did not seem too bothered.
“I mean, maybe it was the angle,” he said. “I haven’t seen the video, but I can promise you – you’ll see, you’ll see.”
“I stood in front of him. He is definitely not taller than me,” Du Plessis continued. “Maybe a little; maybe like, half an inch. Yeah, you’ll see.
“And the other thing, I don’t give a s— how big he is. That’s not what wins fights. But yeah, I saw him, he is definitely not bigger than me.”
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