Dricus Du Plessis, the rising middleweight champion from South Africa, is set to defend his <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC title against Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319. Known for his relentless pressure, unique striking, and solid grappling, Du Plessis has made a rapid ascent in the middleweight division, defeating some of the sport’s toughest contenders. As he prepares for this high-stakes bout, Du Plessis reflects on his toughest challenges and the significance of facing ‘Borz,’ who recently knocked out former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round.
Du Plessis Reflects on His Career and Toughest Opponents
Throughout his career, Dricus Du Plessis has faced numerous hard-hitting fighters, solidifying his status as a dominant champion. Despite the fierce competition he has overcome, he identifies his toughest opponent as the former middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. The two met at UFC 305, where Du Plessis secured a submission victory in the fourth round. Speaking on the Betway South Africa show, he stated his respect for Adesanya’s skill set and difficulty as an adversary.
“My toughest opponent to date. Well, that’s a very open-ended question because there were fights that were the hardest for me. I have to say, probably Adesanya was the best guy I faced in his specific area. Probably the fight I was the most nervous for, just in terms of how good he is. He can catch you with anything, anytime. I think he is the best guy I’ve faced.”
—Dricus Du Plessis, UFC Middleweight Champion
While Adesanya stands out in Du Plessis’ mind for skill, the champion also highlighted sheer toughness and durability as critical traits displayed by opponents like Sean Strickland and Brad Tavares. He explained that these fighters exhibited remarkable resilience by absorbing significant damage and continuing to press forward.
“But then when you just go on pure toughness, you have to go with either Brad Tavares or Sean Strickland. Just the amount of damage they were able to take and just keep going.”
—Dricus Du Plessis, UFC Middleweight Champion
The Upcoming Title Fight: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev
Du Plessis’ next challenge comes in the form of Khamzat Chimaev, a fighter known for his relentless pace and world-class wrestling. The Chechen-born contender is considered the favorite by many experts due to his aggressive style, which he demonstrated by defeating Robert Whittaker in the first round. Despite the pressure Chimaev applies early in fights, former middleweight champion Luke Rockhold has suggested that if the fight extends beyond the initial rounds, Du Plessis’ endurance and experience might become decisive factors.
Brazilian middleweight contender Caio Borralho, who is closely following the matchup, expressed his views confidently. While recognizing Du Plessis as a legitimate force in the division, Borralho pointed out the unique challenge posed by Chimaev’s relentless wrestling and pressure, which many fighters fail to prepare adequately for.
“I think it could be as fast as the Whittaker fight. Because people don’t prepare well to fight Khamzat. They think it’s just about training against wrestlers. It’s not about that. So let’s see what kind of preparation Dricus is going to do for this fight. But every time that I bet against Dricus, he shuts my mouth.”
—Caio Borralho, Middleweight Contender
Borralho’s prediction highlights the uncertainty surrounding whether Du Plessis can withstand Chimaev’s aggressive strategy or whether ‘Borz’ will once again finish his opponent quickly. Despite the pressure and predictions favoring Chimaev, Du Plessis remains resolute and focused on successfully defending his title.
Division Contenders Eyeing the Winner
Beyond the title fight, other contenders in the middleweight division are already positioning themselves for a chance at the belt. Reinier de Ridder, ranked number five, has made it clear that he intends to challenge whoever prevails in the UFC 319 main event within the next six to nine months. De Ridder views both fighters’ styles differently, labeling Chimaev’s approach more conventional and easier to prepare for in contrast to Du Plessis, who he perceives as an obstacle due to his unpredictability.
The Stakes and What’s Next for UFC Middleweight Division
The duel between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319 carries significant implications for the middleweight division’s future. A victory for Chimaev would cement his status as the dominant champion and continue his meteoric rise. On the other hand, a successful defense by Du Plessis would reaffirm his power and endurance as the division’s elite fighter, marking another chapter in his remarkable journey.
Fans and experts alike are eagerly awaiting the event to see if Du Plessis can neutralize Chimaev’s relentless pressure and wrestling or if ‘Borz’ will quickly dismantle the champion like he has done with others. The outcome will likely shape the division’s hierarchy and influence matchups for the months to come.