Fight week is underway as Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev prepare to face off in what promises to be one of the most significant middleweight title bouts in recent memory. The event is scheduled for Saturday at UFC 319 in Chicago, Illinois, where du Plessis aims to defend his title for the third time against the undefeated sensation, Chimaev. Both fighters come into this showdown undefeated and hold an impressive combined win streak of 25 fights, raising the stakes to unprecedented levels for this championship encounter.

Chris Weidman Sees Du Plessis Enduring Beyond Early Rounds

Former UFC middleweight champion Chris Weidman recently shared his outlook on the UFC 319 main event, siding with du Plessis to outlast Chimaev over the duration of the fight. Speaking during the UFC Vegas 109 post-fight show, Weidman highlighted concerns over Chimaev’s cardio, noting past bouts with Gilbert Burns and Kamaru Usman as examples where stamina became a limiting factor. Unlike in previous contests, Chimaev has never advanced into the championship rounds, which some analysts believe could be decisive against an experienced opponent like du Plessis.

While other commentators such as Din Thomas and Alan Jouban favor Chimaev’s chances, Weidman confidently identified the South African champion as the likely victor in later rounds. Reacting to the contrasting opinions on the broadcast, Weidman exclaimed, “Wow, I’m going Dricus,” then added emphatically,

“I’m going Dricus later [in the fight] because I’m a genius.”

He expressed disbelief at others’ picks for Chimaev, saying, “What’s wrong with you guys?”

Weidman emphasized,

“Listen, we just talked about the cardio of Chimaev being the issue. DDP, he’s shown that he’s fixed it.”

He drew attention to the importance of fighting style and comfort level inside the Octagon, stressing that du Plessis’ experience in five-round fights gives him an advantage over Chimaev, who lacks similar championship-round exposure.

Referring to the likelihood of the fight extending into the later stages, Weidman confidently stated,

I think it goes into the championship rounds,

signaling his prediction that du Plessis will endure beyond the early escalation phases to secure victory.

Early Grappling Onslaught: Will Chimaev Hunt for Takedowns from the Outset?

One defining characteristic of Khamzat Chimaev’s fighting style is his aggressive approach in the opening moments, particularly his early takedown attempts. At UFC 279, immediately after the opening bell against Kevin Holland, Chimaev aggressively sought the takedown in a rapid scramble, showing his eagerness to control opponents early on.

His relentless grappling has historically limited his foes’ ability to gain momentum or escape during the initial round, often setting the tone for dominant performances. However, as the stakes rise with this being his first title fight, there is speculation whether Chimaev will adopt a more calculated strategy rather than rushing in.

Despite this uncertainty, many experts still believe Chimaev’s best opportunity to secure an early win will come from this initial flurry. The key question remains whether du Plessis can withstand the early pressure and avoid being overwhelmed, potentially allowing the champion to capitalize on his stamina and experience advantages in the later rounds.

Significance and What’s Ahead for UFC 319

The upcoming battle at UFC 319 between Dricus du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev holds substantial implications for the middleweight division. With both fighters undefeated and carrying long win streaks, the contest represents a pivotal moment that could define the trajectory of either competitor’s career. The fight will test not only their physical and technical skills but also their endurance and adaptability under pressure.

Chris Weidman’s bold prediction that du Plessis will overcome Chimaev beyond the early rounds adds an intriguing narrative to the event, framing this as a clash of experience versus youthful aggression. Fans and analysts alike remain tense and uncertain, keenly watching to see whether the challenger’s grappling aggression or the champion’s endurance will prevail when the stakes are highest.