Khamzat Chimaev is preparing to face UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis this Saturday at UFC 319, disputing popular opinions about his opponent’s size after meeting him during fight week. The undefeated Chechen fighter has faced setbacks since his early Octagon dominance, including health issues and a weight miss last year that moved him up to middleweight, but now his title shot has finally arrived.
After standing face to face with Du Plessis, Chimaev expressed surprise that the champion is not as large as fans believe, a statement that challenges the narrative surrounding the South African fighter’s physical stature.
Chimaev Questions Du Plessis’ Size Following Their Face-Off
Footage shared on UFC’s social media showed Chimaev seemingly towering over Du Plessis, prompting viewers to comment on the size difference. Chimaev confirmed this observation during an interview with Daniel Cormier, clarifying that his impression from the meeting did not align with the common perception of Du Plessis as a physically imposing champion.
For me, it is nothing personal,
Chimaev said regarding the interaction.
He is not that big. People say he is like, big, big. No, not at all.
Chimaev underlined that the encounter was lighthearted and intended to entertain fans with a strong performance in the cage.
Du Plessis Disputes Size Claims, Emphasizes Fight Skills Over Stature
Dricus du Plessis offered a different view after the exchange, addressing concerns raised by the video’s angle that suggested Chimaev had a significant size advantage. Speaking to Helen Yee, the South African champion said he stood directly in front of Chimaev and insisted the latter is not noticeably taller or larger.
I mean, maybe it was the angle,
Du Plessis admitted.
I stood in front of him. He is definitely not taller than me,
he added, mentioning the difference could be negligible at most.
And the other thing, I don’t give a s— how big he is. That’s not what wins fights. But yeah, I saw him, he is definitely not bigger than me.
Upcoming UFC 319 Match Sets Stage for Intense Title Battle
This matchup holds significance as it marks Chimaev’s first attempt at capturing a UFC title after years of rising through the ranks and overcoming various personal setbacks. The tension around their physical comparison highlights the psychological undercurrents heading into their fight.
Khamzat Chimaev’s challenge to Dricus du Plessis at UFC 319 promises a competitive showdown where skills will likely overshadow size, with fans eager to see how each fighter’s strengths play out under pressure. The bout could also redefine perceptions of both combatants as it unfolds on one of <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/”>MMA’s biggest stages.