Relentless pressure, exceptional cardio, and an undefeated record define Khamzat Chimaev, the prominent title challenger set to headline UFC 319. However, amidst the hype surrounding ‘Borz,’ many are underestimating Dricus Du Plessis, who is quickly gaining recognition as a pivotal figure in this high-stakes matchup. The UFC’s August event in Chicago promises a clash not only marked by Chimaev’s dominance but also by Du Plessis’s fearless approach.
Discussions about a showdown between Chimaev and Du Plessis began last August, shortly after Dricus secured a rear-naked choke over Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 to claim the middleweight championship. Eager to prove himself further, Du Plessis immediately expressed his desire to face the winner of the Chimaev vs. Robert Whittaker bout, signaling his readiness to engage with the toughest opposition available.
Despite his openness, UFC matchmaking opted to prioritize Sean Strickland’s claim to a title fight, delaying a Chimaev-Du Plessis matchup for UFC 312. Still, Du Plessis maintained the mindset of a champion seeking formidable rivals, a determination noted and praised by former UFC star Daniel Cormier, who suggests fans are overlooking how crucial Du Plessis’s role is in raising the stakes of this fight.
Let me, let me…tell you one key thing that people are missing in this — and I love this about Du Plessis…He leaves the fight after beating Adesanya, who he had so much history with — that fight was so heavy. he, he goes, ‘I’ll fight anybody’… Right after that, he goes, ‘I want Chimaev next’; Everybody was saying, ‘Well, he needs to win more.’ Every one of the toughest guy in the division. Not Dricus. Dricus looked right down the barrel of the camera and said, ‘I want Chimaev.’ —Daniel Cormier on his ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy‘ Podcast (@ESPNMMA)
The Fighter Who Seeks Challenges Rather Than Avoids Them
Unlike many champions who may stall a division in search of easier defenses, Du Plessis stands apart with his willingness to embrace top-tier adversaries. After dispatching Israel Adesanya—whom he had faced in a storied rivalry—Du Plessis displayed an unyielding spirit, wanting to elevate his legacy by confronting Khamzat Chimaev directly.
His approach contrasts sharply with most fighters in the middleweight landscape. Robert Whittaker and others have handled the division’s challenges conservatively, while Du Plessis actively pursues the most daunting opponents. His confidence and desire to test himself at every turn not only make him a fan favorite but also raise the stakes for Chimaev, who faces probably the toughest resistance to date in this upcoming fight.
Du Plessis’s grappling and scrambler skills add further complexity. His aggressive striking combined with an average of 2.55 takedowns per fight, paired with 50% takedown accuracy, enable him to adapt and endure against opponents known for controlling pace, like Chimaev. Fighters such as Gilbert Burns and Whittaker have publicly acknowledged the likelihood of Du Plessis being able to last the distance in this intense contest.
Chimaev Shows Respect Despite Confidence Ahead of UFC 319
As the UFC 319 event nears, Khamzat Chimaev remains outwardly confident, even describing the fight as potentially a straightforward “smesh and kill” session. Nevertheless, he shows respect for Du Plessis’s fearlessness in agreeing to the challenge. In a recent interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto, Chimaev praised Du Plessis for stepping up when many others have shied away.
I respect that… it’s good for me! … Not everyone was saying that. A lot [of] guys was running away from me… —Khmazat Chimaev in UFC 319 pre-fight check in’s with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto
Chimaev’s recognition reflects the rarity of opponents willing to exchange blows with the undefeated wrestling phenom. His most recent victories include a submission win over Robert Whittaker and a close contest against former pound-for-pound leader Kamaru Usman, underscoring his rapid ascent and growing dominance.
Chimaev’s opening betting odds at -200 favor him over Du Plessis, though heavy anticipation surrounds Du Plessis’s potential to disrupt expectations. Both athletes have prepared rigorously, aware this confrontation may define their careers. Furthermore, Du Plessis has earned praise from Chimaev himself, as well as analysts and fans alike, for offering the toughest resistance in the middleweight class.
Why This Showdown Could Redefine UFC’s Middleweight Landscape
This fight represents more than just a title defense; it embodies the relentless pursuit of greatness by two contrasting warriors. Chimaev seeks to cement his status as one of the greatest fighters, drawing parallels to legendary figures like Michael Jordan who dominated their sports decisively. Meanwhile, Du Plessis embodies the tenacious challenger ready to rewrite narratives through fearless confrontation and decisive victories.
At UFC 319 in Chicago’s home of the Bulls, the tension will culminate in a high-octane battle that tests the limits of endurance, skill, and mental fortitude. The outcome is likely to influence the division’s hierarchy significantly, potentially reshaping the contenders’ list and setting new standards for future matchups.
For fans and analysts, Du Plessis stands as the underrated element that could turn the tide, challenging Chimaev more profoundly than most anticipate. The match’s significance extends beyond belts, symbolizing the fight between ambition and legacy, with each athlete’s reputation on the line.