What's Happening?
Russian middleweight Ikram Aliskerov has expressed his intention to fight former UFC champion Dricus du Plessis using a strategy similar to that of Khamzat Chimaev. Aliskerov, in an exclusive interview,
stated that he would aim to exploit du Plessis' perceived weakness in wrestling, despite du Plessis' aggressive stand-up fighting style. This approach mirrors the tactics used by Chimaev, who recently defeated du Plessis by knockout at UFC 319 in Chicago, becoming the new middleweight champion. Chimaev's victory marked his 15th consecutive win, while du Plessis holds a record of 23 wins and 3 losses. Aliskerov is set to be cornered by Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 321, where he aims to finish his opponent, Pak.
Why It's Important?
Aliskerov's strategy highlights the evolving dynamics in the UFC middleweight division, where fighters are increasingly adopting wrestling-based approaches to counter aggressive strikers. This shift could influence training and preparation methods across the division, as fighters seek to balance their stand-up and ground game skills. The involvement of Khabib Nurmagomedov, a renowned wrestler, in Aliskerov's corner further underscores the significance of wrestling in modern MMA. Success in this fight could elevate Aliskerov's standing in the division, potentially leading to more high-profile matchups and altering the competitive landscape.
What's Next?
Aliskerov's upcoming fight at UFC 321 will be closely watched to see if he can successfully implement his strategy against Pak. A victory could pave the way for a future bout with du Plessis, offering Aliskerov a chance to test his approach against a top-tier opponent. The outcome of this fight may also influence du Plessis' training focus, prompting him to strengthen his wrestling skills in anticipation of future challenges. Stakeholders, including trainers and promoters, will be keenly observing these developments to adjust their strategies accordingly.
