The highly anticipated middleweight title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis is set for August 16 at the United Center in Chicago, headlining <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC 319. This bout has drawn significant attention due to Chimaev’s rapid rise and explosive fighting style, while du Plessis aims to deliver the first defeat of “Borz”’s career during this pivotal matchup. The Khamzat Chimaev UFC 319 fight promises to be a defining moment in the middleweight division.
Caio Borralho’s Perspective on the Chimaev vs. Du Plessis Contest
Top contender Caio Borralho, ranked sixth at middleweight, recently shared insights on the upcoming main event in an interview with Submission Radio. Borralho highlighted the unpredictability of Chimaev’s fighting approach, noting that preparing for him is unlike facing a traditional wrestler. While Borralho acknowledged du Plessis’s capacity to disrupt expectations, he admitted it is difficult to bet against Chimaev’s relentless pressure and speed.
”Actually, right now is hard to bet against [du Plessis] because he always shut my mouth, you know. I always bet against him…but it’s hard to bet against Khamzat [Chimaev]. It’s just going to be how prepare to the Khamzat style, that is not a wrestling style. It’s a different thing…They prepare to fight against a wrestler and Khamzat is not a pure wrestler….So, [du Plessis] needs to be well prepared not against a wrestler but against this Khamzat style.” —Caio Borralho, Middleweight Contender
Borralho also drew comparisons to Chimaev’s quick finish against Robert Whittaker at UFC 308, stressing the likelihood of a similarly swift start in this fight. He suggested that if du Plessis can endure the early aggressive onslaught, the momentum could shift as Chimaev may become fatigued, making later rounds more favorable to du Plessis.
”And I don’t know if he’s going to be ready for that. Like I feel that this fight can be as fast as the Whitaker fight. I think this fight can be really really fast…If Dricus take one and a half rounds or two rounds maybe, Khamzat will be fatigue and then the fight is going to get better.” —Caio Borralho, Middleweight Contender
Borralho’s Own Aspirations Following UFC 319
While focusing on Chimaev and du Plessis’s clash, Borralho has his sights set on maintaining his undefeated run as he prepares to face Nassourdine Imavov in the main event at UFC Paris on September 6. His comments reflect careful analysis of opponents’ styles and strategic pacing throughout fights, emphasizing endurance and adaptability.
Borralho’s Strategy If Matched Against Chimaev
Earlier this year, Borralho expressed confidence in his ability to challenge Chimaev for an interim middleweight title. During the same Submission Radio interview, he laid out his game plan against “Borz,” emphasizing the need to survive the initial round to improve his chances. Borralho believes that after weathering Chimaev’s early aggression, his performance would increase, allowing him to defend takedowns effectively and potentially secure a knockout or domination in later rounds.
”I think the critical point is the first round…After this…I’m going up in my performance. I think I can still, in the second round, defend some takedowns…then after that, the fight is getting better and better for me. Maybe a knockout in the fourth round or fifth, or maybe a good decision and domination in the last three rounds.” —Caio Borralho, Middleweight Contender
Anticipated Implications of the UFC 319 Headliner
The Khamzat Chimaev UFC 319 fight will have substantial implications for the middleweight division, especially with the title on the line. A win by du Plessis could halt Chimaev’s meteoric ascent and add depth to the championship picture, while Chimaev’s continued dominance would reinforce his status as a top contender. Fans and fighters alike will be watching closely as the bout could reshape rankings and future matchups heading into the late 2024 season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why was Khamzat Chimaev cancelled?
A. A fighter with a perfect record was supposed to lead the UFC’s first event in Saudi Arabia on June 22 against ex-champion Robert Whittaker. But on Thursday, UFC president Dana White shared that Chimaev was removed from the main event of UFC on ABC 6 because he is very sick.
Q. Why did Khamzat Chimaev cancel?
A. On February 11th, UFC president Dana White said the fight was canceled again because Chimaev was still affected by COVID-19. On March 1, 2021, Chimaev shared on Instagram that he was retiring because COVID-19 caused him lung problems.