It was supposed to be a double delight at UFC 317: a potential lightweight super-clash between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria, alongside the long-anticipated showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and the undefeated phenom Khamzat Chimaev. But as International Fight Week draws closer, the vibe around the event is turning murky. And for fans of the Dagestani champ, there’s reason to feel a cold shoulder from the promotion.
Rumors of Dricus Du Plessis suffering an undisclosed injury have thrown the entire UFC 317 lineup into flux. Although the UFC has not made any official announcements, increasing indications suggest that Du Plessis will be out of the main event, with Chimaev likely to retain his spot against another opponent. Fresh accusations of “Dana White privilege” have emerged, as fans and pundits question whether Chimaev’s star power is once again overshadowing meritocracy.
On the Weighing In podcast (ep. #656), former Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson didn’t mince words. Speaking about how the UFC might reshuffle the card, he said: “I think it’s going to be DDP and Chimaev in Vegas … International Fight Week … and I think it’s going to be Islam versus Topuria International Fight Week. You couldn’t ask for [more]. But I want … who’s going to be the main?”
John McCarthy acknowledged that historical norms often favor heavier weight classes, saying, “It’s generally, normally, usually the heavier weight class. But if it’s Conor, it’s going to be the lighter weight class.” He hinted the UFC could justify either match topping the card, but Thompson didn’t hide his suspicion: “I think they’re not going to put it [Islam vs. Topuria] as the main, I don’t know.”
Then came the real kicker. Thomson continued, “I don’t know… Just something for me, man. Like Chimaev’s got Dana White privilege.” That blunt line echoed the sentiment of thousands of fans who see Chimaev’s push as less about rankings and more about marketability.
A titleholder’s dream can turn into an afterthought as Makhachev might get bumped despite his championship pedigree. In almost any other era, a champion like Islam Makhachev, fresh off dismantling Renato Moicano, would automatically headline a marquee event. He’s the reigning lightweight king, widely regarded as top 3 pound-for-pound, and potentially facing another undefeated champion in Ilia Topuria. Yet the promotion might still choose Chimaev’s clash, whether it’s against Du Plessis, Caio Borralho, or even a mystery fill-in, as the main attraction.
LAS VEGAS, NV – SEPTEMBER 9: Khamzat Chimaev weighs in for their UFC 279 bout during the ceremonial weigh-ins on September 9, 2022, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire MMA: SEP 09 UFC 279 Icon220909490279
It’s a classic case of perception versus priority. Khamzat’s cult-like following and Instagram-breaking moments have positioned him as a star. Islam, with a more legitimate resume, may face being overlooked. His dominance often gets less promotion, while Chimaev’s aura continues to benefit from what many believe is promotional favoritism. But is it the right step?
Protecting Khamzat Chimaev’s mystique could backfire as contenders line up
There’s another dimension here that makes UFC 317 even more interesting: Khamzat Chimaev’s aura of invincibility. He’s 14-0, terrifying on the ground, and fights with a reckless abandon few can match. But that doesn’t mean the UFC wants to risk that shine.
Letting him face someone like Caio Borralho, a surging and unafraid contender, could derail everything. As John McCarthy broke down on the podcast, “DDP’s got to get out of the first round, that’s really what it comes down to… He does hit … he’s got power… He’s not a bad grappler himself, but he’s not that guy that you look at and go, ‘Wow, his wrestling is just fantastic.’”
The same logic applies to Borralho and even #1 ranked Nassourdine Imavov. Both of them are lurking with serious tools and zero fear of Chimaev’s hype train. One bad night, and the UFC’s plans for a megafight with Du Plessis, arguably the most marketable middleweight clash for Chimaev outside of Israel Adesanya, go up in smoke.
That’s why many believe Dana White and company are hesitating to book an interim title fight to protect a future cash cow. However, Chimaev reacted aggressively online to the swirling rumors about Du Plessis being injured. On social media, he posted, “This guy biggest bull—t,” aiming straight at the middleweight champ. Caio Borralho, ranked #6, offered to step in, writing: “Interim? I know a guy. You know who to call UFC.” Chimaev’s cryptic reply on social media, “” , left fans guessing but clearly excited.
Is Islam facing neglect while Chimaev soars on a wave of favoritism? Is this just how the UFC generates hype? If the pound-for-pound king misses the main event, an injured Du Plessis gives Chimaev an easy path. Is that business or just nonsense? Don’t hold back. Light up the comments and tell the fight world how you see UFC 317 shaping up.
The post Heartbreak for Islam Makhachev While Khamzat Chimaev Gets Good News as Dana White Privilege Dragged Into UFC 317 Drama appeared first on EssentiallySports.