Dricus du Plessis has openly questioned Khamzat Chimaev’s cardio ahead of their middleweight title fight scheduled for UFC 319. The reigning champion argued that Chimaev may not have the stamina to maintain a high pace throughout the entire five rounds of their matchup this Saturday at the United Center in Chicago.
Du Plessis expressed his concerns during an appearance on the UFC Unfiltered podcast with Jim Norton and Matt Serra. He highlighted his own experience of defending the title three times, contrasting it against Chimaev’s first championship opportunity. Du Plessis suggested that Chimaev’s in-ring performance might fail to match his training intensity, especially as the fight advances into later rounds.
“We entered the UFC at the same time. I’m on my third title defense. He’s fighting for his first title. Experience plays its role. Being there five rounds, don’t tell me [Chimaev] is not going and saying, ‘Yeah, I kill everybody. I smash everybody.’ Great. You know, in your head, you know, you haven’t been able to fight the pace you want to once the third round comes. Doing it in training is completely different. Now, you’re in a fight.” —Dricus du Plessis
Du Plessis further cited Chimaev’s recent bout against Robert Whittaker, noting that the contender started aggressively but appeared to struggle as the fight went on.
“But we saw with the Whitaker fight, he’s not going to do that. He went out there full speed once again. So, in his mind, he has the doubt. I don’t have that doubt…I know I can go in there and push the pace for five rounds if I have to.” —Dricus du Plessis
Despite these concerns, Chimaev has taken measures to enhance his cardio, working closely with Sam Calavitta, coach to former champion T.J. Dillashaw, in Los Angeles to improve his conditioning ahead of the title challenge.
Recognizing Chimaev as the Toughest Opponent Yet
While critical of Chimaev’s potential stamina issues, du Plessis also acknowledged the skill and threat posed by the undefeated contender. In an interview with TMZ Sports, du Plessis called Chimaev the greatest challenge he has faced so far in his career.
The South African champion emphasized the significance of this matchup as he defends his 185-pound belt for the fourth time, acknowledging that defeating Chimaev is key to cementing his legacy.
“This is the best opponent to date. Up until now, this is the best guy. He is the No. 1 contender in the world. He is the best guy without a title in the world…I want to be the greatest fighter ever. No doubt. I want to be the GOAT. That’s what I’ve chosen. When I started this sport, that’s what I wanted to be. And I believe the only way just to get into that conversation is to fight the best of the best. And Khamzat Chimaev is the next best guy. There’s no doubt. That is 100 percent.” —Dricus du Plessis
Upcoming Title Fight Looms Large at UFC 319
The UFC 319 event in Chicago promises a high-stakes showdown as du Plessis aims to solidify his status with a successful title defense against the formidable Chimaev. The championship bout draws significant attention not only because of the fighters’ skills but also due to the ongoing debate about Chimaev’s endurance over five rounds.
As the fight approaches, questions surrounding Chimaev’s cardio will likely remain a focal point for analysts and fans alike, potentially influencing strategies inside the octagon.