Months before the scheduled UFC middleweight title clash between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev, Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo shared their views on the matchup. This fight, set to determine the South African’s championship fate, has drawn significant attention due to Chimaev’s dominant wrestling style. The discussion largely focused on how du Plessis might respond to Chimaev’s relentless wrestling pressure.

While Cejudo suggested du Plessis’ scrambling ability could be an advantage, pointing to Robert Whittaker‘s attempts to neutralize Chimaev, Usman disagreed with that assessment. On Whittaker’s approach, Usman noted,

“I’d say, I don’t agree. I think Robert Whittaker did a great job, cause when a guy like Khamzat Chimaev is right on you and swarming you, the best thing that you can do is stay relaxed in the midst of the chaos. And I think Robert Whittaker was doing a great job of that.”

Usman emphasized Chimaev’s overwhelming first-round presence, describing the wrestling threat both with respect and caution.

“It’s just that, hey, Khamzat is hell in that first round. He is hell. When he’s dry like that, and he’s big and he’s strong, and he still moves like a welterweight, it’s hell for anybody. Do I think he can do that to Dricus? I think 100% he can take Dricus down. Can he keep him down? I think he can keep him down. But can he get the finish? I don’t know if he can get the finish.”

Both du Plessis and Chimaev enter this bout with high confidence, which is set to headline UFC 319, making their wrestling battle a critical point of interest.

Usman’s Personal Encounter with Chimaev’s Wrestling Dominance

Kamaru Usman’s observations spring from direct experience, having faced Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 on short notice. In that fight, Usman encountered firsthand the physical strength and elite wrestling tactics that make Chimaev a formidable opponent.

During the first round, Usman was dominated on the ground as Chimaev controlled much of the action. Despite this control, Chimaev couldn’t secure a finish because his energy dissipated quickly in round two, allowing Usman to regain momentum.

Ultimately, Usman secured a majority decision victory, though the result sparked some controversy among fans and analysts alike. This experience informs Usman’s warnings to du Plessis about the intensity he will face against Chimaev’s wrestling.

The Stakes and Expectations for the Title Clash

The upcoming fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev carries significant weight for the middleweight division and the UFC landscape as a whole. Chimaev’s wrestling skills, combined with his physical attributes and aggressive style, present a daunting challenge for du Plessis, who must devise a strategy to counteract this threat.

Kamaru Usman’s insights add a layer of authenticity to the narrative, reminding fans and fighters alike just how intense Chimaev’s wrestling can be, especially early in the fight. The match promises to be a compelling display of grappling prowess and endurance, with the championship on the line.

As fight night approaches, attention will focus on whether du Plessis can withstand Chimaev’s pressure and implement effective counters, or if Chimaev’s wrestling dominance will once again prove overwhelming.