The highly anticipated UFC 319 middleweight title fight between champion Dricus du Plessis and contender Khamzat Chimaev is set to take place in less than two weeks in Chicago, Illinois. This Khamzat Chimaev UFC 319 fight has drawn significant attention as both fighters enter the Octagon undefeated, making it one of the most compelling matchups of the year.
Assessment of Khamzat Chimaev’s Strengths and Potential Challenges
Khamzat Chimaev has built a reputation as a dominant wrestler, maintaining an undefeated record in mixed martial arts and rarely losing rounds inside the Octagon. However, questions linger about his endurance, as he has yet to compete in the later rounds of a championship fight. His aggressive wrestling style and imposing presence have overwhelmed past opponents early, but his ability to maintain pace throughout a full five-round contest remains uncertain.
Gilbert Burns Supports Du Plessis to Overcome Chimaev
Gilbert Burns, who pushed Chimaev to the limit in a previous bout, believes that Dricus du Plessis could be the first fighter to hand Chimaev a defeat. Although Burns was unable to secure a victory himself, he noted that du Plessis’s resilience and power make him a formidable adversary. Burns highlighted that Chimaev is likely to control some aspects of the fight through wrestling, saying,
“I do believe he might take Dricus down, might control him a little bit,”
—Gilbert Burns, Former Title Challenger
Burns also emphasized that du Plessis is unlikely to be knocked out or finished and predicted that the champion’s durability would enable him to withstand Chimaev’s early pressure.
Speaking about the fighting style of Chimaev, Burns described him as relentless, explaining,
“The guy comes as a freaking truck,”
—Gilbert Burns, Former Title Challenger
Burns continued by comparing the clash to a head-on collision, adding that both fighters would likely become fatigued by the second round. Yet, with du Plessis’ extensive five-round experience and powerful strikes, Burns expects the fight could end with a late finish, stating,
“But I do believe a late finish. Not even that late. I think third to fourth round. That’s my prediction.”
—Gilbert Burns, Former Title Challenger
Dricus du Plessis’s Confidence Despite Wrestling Disadvantages
While du Plessis has been taken down in the past by fighters such as Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Darren Till, he remains confident facing Chimaev, who possesses world-class wrestling skills. Du Plessis highlighted that, at the championship level, many fighters are highly skilled grapplers and wrestlers,
“Khamzat obviously [has] world class wrestling, grappling, but at this level of the sport, everybody’s world class,”
—Dricus du Plessis, UFC Middleweight Champion
He stressed that the match is not solely about wrestling or grappling, but about overall mixed martial arts ability, where he believes he excels. Du Plessis said,
“We’re not fighting for a wrestling title. We’re not fighting for a grappling title. We are fighting for the UFC title. And that’s where I am the best.”
—Dricus du Plessis, UFC Middleweight Champion
Adding to this, he admitted he may not be the best in any single discipline but insisted that his combined skills make him the best fighter overall,
“I’m not the best wrestler, I’m not the best grappler or best striker, but when you put all those things together, if you combine it, and that’s the sport we do, I am the best in the world.”
—Dricus du Plessis, UFC Middleweight Champion
What the Outcome Could Mean for UFC 319 and MMA Fans
The clash between du Plessis and Chimaev at UFC 319 is more than just a title fight; it is a test of endurance, skill, and heart for both fighters. While Chimaev’s aggressive wrestling often dictates his bouts, du Plessis’s proven ability to absorb pressure and deliver powerful strikes through five rounds makes the outcome uncertain. Predictions of a late finish or a decision suggest that this fight could stretch both men to their limits.
This matchup carries significant implications for the division and could mark a key turning point in the careers of both fighters. For fans in Chicago and worldwide, the fight promises an intense, dynamic contest that showcases some of the best talent in mixed martial arts today.