With UFC 319 just over a month away, tension is mounting between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev as the two fighters continue exchanging harsh words on social media. The upcoming bout, much anticipated for its intensity, has seen du Plessis mock Chimaev’s distinctive scar, fueling the rivalry further ahead of their middleweight clash. This Khamzat Chimaev UFC 319 fight has captured significant attention, highlighting not only their physical preparations but also psychological games leading into the event.
Escalating Social Media Exchanges Between Du Plessis and Chimaev
Both athletes have been visibly sharpening their skills in anticipation of their matchup. Dricus du Plessis, the current middleweight champion, has showcased his physical readiness through numerous gym updates. Similarly, Khamzat Chimaev, the fierce contender of Chechen origin, has posted his own impressive training progress. However, the recent flare-up came when du Plessis responded to a fan’s comment supporting Chimaev by mocking the scar on Chimaev’s upper lip, an imperfection that the champion frequently carries in public appearances.
Du Plessis shared an image with the caption,
“Same same just need a little more work on the beard.”
—Dricus du Plessis, Middleweight Champion
The jab prompted yet another reaction from the fan, who claimed a beard would not suit du Plessis and even edited the mocked picture. The fan advised,
“Never grow a beard, Dricus.”
—Fan of Khamzat Chimaev
However, du Plessis was quick to dismiss that notion, confidently asserting,
“I won’t I’m good looking remember,”
—Dricus du Plessis
Du Plessis appears unfazed by his reputation as a provocateur, having played the antagonist in high-profile rivalries before, including against fighters like Sean Strickland and Israel Adesanya. His self-assurance suggests he believes he has what it takes not just to taunt but to defeat Chimaev inside the Octagon.
Expert Insight: Reinier de Ridder Weighs In on the Fight’s Outcome
Reinier de Ridder, a former ONE Championship star who has trained with both du Plessis and Chimaev, shared his perspective on the likely outcome of the bout. According to de Ridder, Chimaev’s takedown skills and aggressive style will come into play, especially in the early rounds, but du Plessis is well-prepared and difficult to control on the ground. He highlighted the importance of Chimaev securing an early victory to avoid trouble as the fight progresses.
De Ridder explained,
“I’d say especially in a five round fight, Khamzat is most likely going to come out guns blazing again, shoot right away, but Dricus is not that easy to take down. He moves very well, although it looks a bit funny at times. His footwork is not that bad. He gets out. He circles pretty well,”
—Reinier de Ridder, Former ONE Championship Fighter
In addition, he noted the increasing difficulty Chimaev will face if a submission does not come early:
“I don’t see Khamzat taking him down right away, and to be honest, I don’t see Khamzat choking him out in the first round… Every round he doesn’t choke him out is going to get worse for him.”
—Reinier de Ridder
Chimaev’s past performance includes a swift first-round finish over former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker, but de Ridder suggests that the same outcome is unlikely against du Plessis, who presents a tougher and more dynamic challenge.
Implications of the Upcoming Middleweight Showdown
The buildup to this fight has been marked not only by physical preparation but also by psychological warfare, with du Plessis taking advantage of social media to undermine Chimaev’s confidence. Such exchanges often add a deeper layer of intensity to fights, energizing fans and increasing anticipation. For Khamzat Chimaev, responding to these provocations while maintaining focus will be critical.
This fight carries heavy significance in the middleweight division, as a win for either fighter could influence the championship landscape and rivalry narratives moving forward. Both du Plessis and Chimaev have reputations for relentless fighting styles, making this clash a potentially defining moment in their careers.
As UFC 319 approaches, the world watches closely to see whether Dricus du Plessis can translate his sharp social media banter into a decisive victory over Khamzat Chimaev. The fight promises to test their skills, endurance, and mental fortitude, determining who will emerge as the dominant force in the division.