As the much-anticipated middleweight title fight between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev draws closer, Israel Adesanya has shared his forecast for the UFC 319 main event. The Nigerian-born Kiwi fighter’s analysis highlights the unpredictable and intense nature expected in this matchup, emphasizing how the fight’s outcome may hinge on whether it concludes in the early or later rounds.
Adesanya Foresees a Dramatic Fight With a Late-Round Edge for Du Plessis
Israel Adesanya, known as ‘The Last Stylebender,’ offered his insights during the UFC 318 broadcast, selecting his former adversary Dricus du Plessis as the likely victor. Adesanya’s prediction aligns with many experts who believe that the fight’s momentum will increasingly favor du Plessis as the rounds progress. He suggested an early finish would favor Chimaev but anticipated a finishing streak closer to the fight’s conclusion for du Plessis.
“I still think Dricus gets him. I think it’s a late finish, yeah, late finish. I think Khamzat, if he wins, it’s [in] the first two rounds, or the first round, but Dricus is just chaotic. Chaotic good, chaotic evil, that’s literally what this fight might be. Chaotic good vs. chaotic evil.”
— Israel Adesanya, UFC Fighter
Additional voices from the MMA community, such as former champion Robert Whittaker and contender Reinier de Ridder, share a similar view, reinforcing a consensus that endurance and pacing will be key. Du Plessis himself has emphasized the strategy of enduring Chimaev’s initial wrestling pressure as central to securing his championship reign.
Du Plessis Details Tactical Plan to Survive and Dominate
In an interview with CBS Sports’ Shakeil Mahjouri, du Plessis addressed his approach to handling Chimaev’s aggression, focusing on stamina management in the later rounds. He stressed that after surviving the early onslaught, he plans to wrestle and strike on his own terms as the fight progresses.
“We’ve seen him being as exhausted as anybody can be in the third round. This is a five-rounder. Bring your first round. I’m going to meet you in the middle, and we’re going to wrestle… Then we’ll come out in the second round and see what you feel like… and then we’re going to fight my fight. Then we’re going to wrestle on my terms, and then we’re going to strike on my terms.”
— Dricus du Plessis, UFC Middleweight Champion
TJ Dillashaw Confident Chimaev’s Endurance Will No Longer Be a Weakness
Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw weighed in on the physical conditioning aspect, addressing concerns regarding Khamzat Chimaev’s previous stamina limitations. Dillashaw credited Chimaev’s revamped training regimen, guided by strength and conditioning coach Sam Calavitta, with significantly boosting his cardio capacity. This Rocky-inspired training program has reportedly prepared Chimaev to endure longer bouts without fatigue.
“[The] reason why Chimaev won’t win is because of his cardio. I said that before I introduced [the pair] to Sam Calavitta. It’s like Rocky-style training. So Chimaev is doing it right now… He is going to have an amazing gas tank for this next fight, and I think he’s going to get the win because of it.”
— TJ Dillashaw, Former UFC Bantamweight Champion
Dillashaw also revealed that he connected Chimaev and lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan with Calavitta, hoping to improve their endurance using unconventional and intense conditioning exercises inspired by the “Rocky” film series. This development brings a new dynamic to the fight’s physical demands.
The Role of Endurance and Strategy in What Promises to Be an Explosive UFC 319 Clash
This UFC 319 showdown is shaping up to be a compelling battle between two highly skilled fighters with contrasting styles. The general consensus suggests that if Khamzat Chimaev secures a victory, it will likely come quickly in the early stages, capitalizing on his wrestling and aggression. In contrast, Dricus du Plessis appears poised to rely on his endurance and tactical discipline to wear down Chimaev and finish strong in later rounds.
The predictions from Israel Adesanya, alongside those from notable MMA professionals and the fighters themselves, underscore the central narrative of stamina and momentum shifts in this fight. TJ Dillashaw’s confidence in Chimaev’s improved cardio further adds a layer of uncertainty, making this matchup exceptionally difficult to call.
As UFC 319 approaches, all eyes will be on this middleweight title challenge, with the fight’s result potentially depending on whether chaos reigns early or endurance dominates late.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev a millionaire?
A. Khamzat Chimaev’s Wealth Exceeds $3 Million Currently, Khamzat Chimaev has around $3 million to his name. The 30-year-old has gained considerable wealth and is very famous in Russia.
Q. Is Khamzat Chimaev rich?
A. As of now, Khamzat Chimaev’s net worth is about $3 million. At 30 years old, he is very famous in his native Russia. The MMA star has won all 14 of his professional matches, with 12 by finishing his opponents.
Q. Who is better, Khamzat Chimaev or Khabib?
A. Chimaev is definitely more skilled. While Khabib and Islam are very talented, the Chechen fighter excels in grappling and wrestling. This often leads to less exciting matches.
Q. Does Khamzat Chimaev have a disease?
A. At 30 years old, the individual caught Covid in December 2020 and has faced ongoing symptoms, only managing to compete four times in four years.