Dricus du Plessis is brimming with confidence ahead of his upcoming UFC 319 title defense against the undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. The South African champion made a bold statement in an interview with Shak MMA, signaling his readiness to take control once the early rounds pass. His outspoken remarks have garnered attention and support from fighters across the middleweight division, intensifying anticipation for the fight scheduled on August 16.
Former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, who previously faced Chimaev at UFC 290, echoed doubts about Chimaev’s endurance beyond the initial round. In a conversation with Fox Sports Australia, Whittaker said,
“If he doesn’t finish him on the ground, I think he loses.”
—Robert Whittaker, Former Middleweight Champion
The division’s No. 6 ranked middleweight, Caio Borralho, also praised Du Plessis’s composure, highlighting his ability to thrive under pressure. Meanwhile, Arman Tsarukyan, a close ally and training partner of Chimaev, offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that Chimaev may be in peak form ahead of UFC 319. These contrasting views contribute to the mounting tension as fight night approaches.
Arman Tsarukyan Confirms Chimaev’s Peak Physical Condition Before Title Bout
Arman Tsarukyan has taken a prominent role in Khamzat Chimaev’s preparation for UFC 319. The two fighters share a longstanding mutual respect, dating back to their joint appearance on Hype Reality 3 in 2024. Since then, Tsarukyan has become a vital part of Chimaev’s camp, helping refine both his wrestling and striking in anticipation of a crucial showdown with Du Plessis.
Speaking on the JAXXON podcast, Tsarukyan confidently described his teammate’s form as impressive, emphasizing his health and energy levels leading into the fight. He stated,
“He looks sharp. So excited to see him as a UFC champion. So far, his camp is going well — he’s healthy. He has a lot of energy, and I’m just here to help him. If they need the wrestling, I’ll wrestle. If they need striking, I’ll strike. I want him to be a UFC champ.”
—Arman Tsarukyan, UFC Lightweight Fighter and Training Partner
Tsarukyan’s commitment underscores the seriousness of Chimaev’s training camp, as the team integrates high-level grappling and striking expertise to prepare ‘Borz’ for Du Plessis’ relentless and unpredictable fighting style. This alliance between two of MMA’s most accomplished grapplers signals that Chimaev is not only ready but also evolving ahead of this defining match.
Questions Arise Over Chimaev’s Ability to Endure a Long, Grueling Fight
The betting odds favor Khamzat Chimaev as the favorite (-235) against Du Plessis (+195), but many experts and fans are closely watching whether Chimaev can sustain his pace through all five rounds. Veteran fighters have expressed concerns about his stamina, suggesting that his famed early fight dominance may not extend throughout the championship distance.
The legendary Daniel Cormier has publicly predicted a tight contest, while former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw provided insight into Chimaev’s biggest vulnerability: cardio. Dillashaw explained on the JAXXON podcast,
“I would put a lot more money on Chimaev if he trains the right way for his cardio. If he doesn’t train his cardio the right way, it’s gonna be harder to put DDP away and DDP’s gonna put him away in the later rounds (after) gassing him out.”
—T.J. Dillashaw, Former UFC Bantamweight Champion
Dillashaw’s observation taps into a recurring concern, as Chimaev has shown formidable power and technique early on but has displayed signs of fatigue during extended bouts. His three-round fight against Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 demonstrated his ability to endure some duration, but his near-decision victory over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 revealed vulnerabilities in sustained wrestling exchanges. The upcoming fight with Du Plessis will be a true test of Chimaev’s conditioning and energy management.
Implications of the UFC 319 Title Fight and What Lies Ahead
As UFC 319 nears, the stakes could not be higher for both champions. Du Plessis aims to prove that he can withstand Chimaev’s early onslaught and capitalize if the fight extends into later rounds. Meanwhile, Chimaev’s camp, bolstered by Tsarukyan’s support, seeks to sharpen his endurance and strategy to maintain dominance throughout the fight.
This matchup will likely define the trajectory of both fighters’ careers, with the UFC middleweight championship hanging in the balance. Fans worldwide will be watching closely to see if Chimaev can overcome the challenges posed by Du Plessis or if the South African will halt the relentless rise of ‘Borz.’ Regardless of the outcome, UFC 319 promises to be an intense, high-stakes battle that could shift the middleweight division’s landscape for years to come.