Dricus Du Plessis, known not just for his dominance inside the UFC octagon but also for his sharp psychological tactics, recently intensified his rivalry with welterweight fighter Belal Muhammad. This verbal exchange has resurfaced as Du Plessis prepares for his middleweight title defense at UFC 319 in Chicago, amid a backdrop of provocative online interactions that highlight their ongoing feud.
The South African champion is set to defend his middleweight crown against Khamzat Chimaev, while Belal Muhammad, hailing from Chicago, has fueled tensions by mocking Du Plessis repeatedly on social media. Addressing Muhammad’s frequent posts, Du Plessis delivered a pointed remark about his rival’s recognition and reception in his own city.
The Ongoing Public Feud Between Du Plessis and Muhammad
The rivalry between Du Plessis and Muhammad initially escalated when Muhammad suggested Islam Makhachev could defeat Du Plessis, a claim that the middleweight champion found disrespectful given his own status. Though competing in different weight classes, the fighters have maintained a heated exchange of words, keeping the feud alive through social media confrontations.
Du Plessis has solidified his position by defending his title twice, showcasing his skills as a formidable champion in the middleweight division. Meanwhile, Muhammad’s momentum suffered a setback following his loss against Jack Della Maddelena at UFC 315. Du Plessis openly admitted to watching Muhammad’s title defense with a conflicted mindset, even hoping for Muhammad’s defeat.
Well, 9.5. That’s about the same amount of people that knows who he is. But I’m going to go more. I’m going to go over. More people hate him than know him, I can tell you that in his own city.
Dricus Du Plessis via SHAK MMA
Du Plessis Prepares to Face Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 319
The upcoming UFC 319 event will feature a highly anticipated contest between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev. Chimaev, a fierce middleweight contender, has openly claimed his aim is to decisively defeat Du Plessis and claim the title. Despite being considered the underdog by many, Du Plessis remains unshaken and focused on delivering a surprising outcome before the Chicago crowd.
Du Plessis believes his unpredictability offers him an edge against Chimaev’s aggressive, wrestling-based style. Over his career, Chimaev has built a reputation as the ‘boogeyman’ of the UFC with an undefeated record, but experts note that he has exhibited signs of fatigue in previous bouts.
Chimaev, he is that guy. He is the boogeyman for a reason. Now here he is fighting DDP and it’s super exciting. Because DDP, he doesn’t get tired. Chimaev, we’ve seen slow down in a couple of his fights with [Gilbert] Burns and with [Kamaru] Usman. But now he’s at the Garage with Sam Calavita, who’s a strength coach that’s pretty much known for gassing guys out and getting them in tremendous shape. He’s done that time and time again. So doing everything he’s supposed to do to deal with his issues and we’re going to see the best version of Chimaev.
Chris Weidman via UFC Vegas 109 Post-fight Show
Veteran Chris Weidman highlighted that Chimaev has made significant strides in conditioning under coach Sam Calavita, aiming to overcome previous stamina issues. While prominent figures like Sean Strickland and Robert Whittaker have warned Du Plessis about surviving Chimaev’s intense early attacks, Du Plessis’ camp remains confident in their training and strategy.
Anticipation Builds for a Thrilling UFC 319 Matchup
The clash between Du Plessis and Chimaev promises to be a compelling contest, pitting Du Plessis’ resilience and unpredictability against Chimaev’s relentless intensity and wrestling prowess. The outcome could have major implications for the UFC middleweight title picture, shaking up the division depending on who prevails.
Meanwhile, the ongoing verbal sparring between Du Plessis and Muhammad adds an additional layer of intrigue to the UFC landscape, even though they compete in different weight classes. This feud exemplifies how psychological warfare continues to be a strategic element in the sport as fighters seek to unsettle their opponents.
Fans will be closely watching UFC 319 not only for the champions to retain or claim titles but also to observe how these intense rivalries unfold in the high-stakes environment of the UFC. The event is shaping up to be one of the year’s most significant mixed martial arts showdowns.