Dricus du Plessis recently issued a $10,000 Khamzat Chimaev takedown challenge, daring anyone to successfully take him down, prompting widespread discussion ahead of their highly anticipated middleweight title fight at UFC 319 on August 16. The challenge has intensified the conversation about how this matchup between the reigning UFC middleweight champion and the wrestling-skilled Chechen contender might unfold.
Chael Sonnen weighs in on du Plessis’ challenge and Chimaev’s strategy
Former UFC fighter and analyst Chael Sonnen provided his perspective on du Plessis and his coach Morne Visser’s takedown challenge, focusing on what it means for Chimaev’s approach. Sonnen questioned the assumption that Chimaev’s path to victory depends solely on his wrestling ability to bring du Plessis to the mat.
“Dricus du Plessis has a $10,000 proposal for Chimaev: ‘I’ll give you $10,000 every time you can take me down.’ So, what does a fight look like between Chimaev and Dricus if there’s no takedowns? Are you completely certain that for Chimaev to win this fight, he must take him down?”
—Chael Sonnen, UFC analyst
Sonnen further challenged the idea that Chimaev’s striking would be ineffective should he fail to complete takedowns, suggesting that du Plessis might be vulnerable even if the fight stays standing.
“But what if we put it in reverse? Chimaev can’t take him down, that’s what Dricus is saying is going to happen. Are we sure that Chimaev can’t strike with him? Are you sure that in the absence of a takedown, Chimaev cannot beat Dricus du Plessis?”
—Chael Sonnen, UFC analyst
Robert Whittaker offers his outlook on the middleweight title bout
Both du Plessis and Chimaev have previously encountered former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, with du Plessis winning by TKO at UFC 290 and Chimaev submitting him early at UFC 308. Whittaker recently shared his prediction for their upcoming championship contest during an interview with Main Event TV.
“Honestly, I’d have to say Dricus would be a favorite. He probably is the favorite. I think I’m leaning towards Dricus. The whole thing can be summed up [as] Chimaev will take him down, will he finish him before he gets back up? That’s the million-dollar question, because if he doesn’t, if he doesn’t finish him on the ground, I think he loses.”
—Robert Whittaker, former UFC middleweight champion
The UFC 319 main event now carries significant intrigue as experts debate whether Chimaev’s dominant takedown game will be enough against du Plessis’ resilience, or if du Plessis’ takedown defense and striking will sway the fight in his favor. This $10,000 takedown challenge has put a spotlight on the matchup’s core dynamic and raised questions about what mixed martial arts fans can expect when the two clash in August.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev a millionaire?
A. Khamzat Chimaev currently has a net worth of about $3 million. At 30 years old, he is very famous in Russia. The MMA star has won all 14 of his professional matches, with 12 victories coming before the final bell.
Q. Why was Khamzat Chimaev cancelled?
A. But on February 11, UFC president Dana White stated the fight was again called off because Chimaev was still dealing with COVID-19 symptoms.
Q. Who is better, Khamzat Chimaev or Khabib?
A. There’s no question it’s Chimaev. While Khabib and Islam are excellent, Chimaev from Chechnya has greater skills.
Q. Who can defeat Khamzat Chimaev?
A. Dricus du Plessis shares his strategy for taking down Khamzat Chimaev if they meet in a future UFC title fight.