Luke Rockhold, a former UFC middleweight champion, has offered his perspective on the highly anticipated UFC title fight between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis, scheduled for next month. This matchup marks a crucial moment as du Plessis prepares to defend his middleweight belt against a fighter many see as a rising force in the division.
Dricus du Plessis has established himself as a formidable champion, while Khamzat Chimaev appears poised to ascend to the division’s peak after a strong run since entering the UFC. The contest is expected to be a significant test of skill and resilience for both fighters as they aim to settle a long-standing rivalry.
Luke Rockhold’s Take on What This Fight Will Entail
In a recent interview with Submission Radio, Rockhold described Khamzat Chimaev as an unstoppable force, emphasizing the relentless pressure he brings into the octagon. He noted the intensity Chimaev uses from the outset, raising questions about whether du Plessis can endure such a fierce start.
“He’s a f*cking beast. He’s a wrestler, he’s a grappler, he’s going to get relentless pressure. He’s going to start fast and hard. Can Dricus take that the first two rounds? That’s what life’s about for his opponents. Can he withstand the barrage? Because he’s going to bring it.” —Luke Rockhold, Former UFC Middleweight Champion
Rockhold also expressed doubts about Chimaev’s ability to sustain that level of aggression throughout the fight, highlighting du Plessis’s resilience and toughness. Drawing from his own experience training with du Plessis, Rockhold believes that du Plessis’s durability makes the matchup far from one-sided.
“I don’t like those opportunities for him. I’ve trained with DDP a lot. He’s tough. He ain’t going to go away. You’ve got to dominate him from start to finish, or you’ve got to finish him early. I just don’t see how Khamzat’s going to keep that pressure. His intensity, you can only keep that for so long.” —Luke Rockhold, Former UFC Middleweight Champion
Further elaborating on du Plessis, Rockhold praised his unique style and ability to mix different techniques, which often catches opponents off guard. He noted that while du Plessis might not get widespread recognition, his combination of confidence, grappling, and unconventional striking makes him a difficult challenger.
“That’s not five-round material. DDP is tough. He’s tough as f*cking hell. People don’t give him a lot of credit. He’s just awkward, he’s got weird timing and rhythm and he’s good. He mixes it up. He’s very confident. He’s got good grappling, decent wrestling and some funky-ass striking, but it f*cking works.” —Luke Rockhold, Former UFC Middleweight Champion
What This Fight Means for the UFC Middleweight Landscape
The bout between Khamzat Chimaev and Dricus du Plessis holds significant importance for the middleweight division, as it will determine if Chimaev’s momentum and pressure tactics can overthrow a resilient champion known for his unpredictable style. Luke Rockhold’s analysis highlights this fight as a true test of endurance and strategy for both athletes.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, as the outcome may shape the future path of the division. Such a high-stakes confrontation reflects not only the physical demands of the sport but also the unpredictable nature of UFC competition at the highest level.
With du Plessis defending against a fast-starting, relentless opponent, the fight promises intense action and a complex tactical battle that could shift the middleweight hierarchy based on the ability to sustain pressure and exploit weaknesses over the fight’s duration.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev a millionaire?
A. Currently, Khamzat Chimaev’s net worth is around $3 million. At 30 years old, he is a major celebrity in Russia. This MMA star has won all 14 of his professional matches, with 12 victories achieved before the final bell.
Q. Why was Khamzat Chimaev cancelled?
A. But on February 11, UFC president Dana White said that the fight was canceled again because Chimaev was still feeling COVID-19 effects.
Q. Who is better, Khamzat Chimaev or Khabib?
A. Chimaev is definitely the best choice. Khabib and Islam are talented, but the Chechen fighter has superior skills.
Q. Does Khamzat Chimaev have a disease?
A. The person, who is 30 years old, got Covid in December 2020 and still faces ongoing issues. They have only fought four times in four years.