Joe Rogan recently expressed doubts about whether Khamzat Chimaev can maintain his intense pace throughout a five-round fight against the resilient Dricus du Plessis. Rogan highlighted Chimaev’s explosive, fast-starting style, which heavily relies on early takedowns and relentless ground pressure, but questioned if that approach can last in a prolonged battle.
Du Plessis, known for his constant pressure and endurance, demonstrated exceptional durability during his demanding five-round encounter with Sean Strickland at UFC 297. Despite experiencing severe breathing difficulties, he maintained aggression and volume throughout the fight. Following surgery that improved his cardio, du Plessis has committed to keeping a high pace for the entire duration of his upcoming bouts.
Rogan raised a critical point on air about the challenge facing Chimaev: whether he has the confidence and stamina to “empty the gas tank” and secure a finish early or if he can sustain his efforts long enough against an opponent like du Plessis who is conditioned for full-length wars.
“Does he have the confidence to go for it and possibly empty the gas tank and get the finish? And if he doesn’t, how f*cked is he?… You can’t adjust now in a world championship fight… I mean, but that’s the question, can he sprint for five rounds because we know DDP can?”
—Joe Rogan, Commentator
Rogan also emphasized the extreme physical toll du Plessis and Strickland endured, noting their readiness to push their limits during the championship battle.
“Him and Sean Strickland they were ready to have heart attacks at the end of that fight they were ready to have heart attacks, probably like the most elevated heart level we’ve ever seen in a world championship fight.”
—Joe Rogan, Commentator
Comparing Du Plessis to Merab Dvalishvili’s Endurance and Work Ethic
In previewing the UFC 319 main event, Joe Rogan drew comparisons between du Plessis and Merab Dvalishvili, highlighting the shared trait of remarkable stamina and high-volume output sustained throughout long fights. Both athletes showcase outstanding discipline and cardiovascular conditioning that elevate their performance above many of their peers.
Rogan praised du Plessis’ work ethic and conditioning, suggesting his ability to fight “full blast” into the later rounds could prove decisive in challenging Chimaev’s fast-paced style.
“He’s a monster, and you know this [Matt Serra] because you work with Merab, there’s guys that reach this level of discipline and they achieve a level of cardiovascular performance that’s just above everybody else’s and then they maintain it… The amount of hard work is extraordinary to get to that level, and I think Dricus is kind of a similar thing. I think that dude works so hard that he can go out and fight full blast.”
—Joe Rogan, Commentator
The fitness and pacing strategies of both fighters will likely shape the outcome, making the bout an intriguing test of whether Chimaev’s explosive start can be sustained against du Plessis’ proven endurance in championship-length contests.