Dricus du Plessis spoke candidly after his defeat by Khamzat Chimaev in their UFC Middleweight Championship fight. The match, held at UFC 319, saw Chimaev dominate with persistent grappling over five rounds, claiming the title and handing du Plessis his first loss since October 2018. Du Plessis shared his thoughts on the fight and his future in the octagon following the unanimous decision.
Chimaev’s Grappling Proves Decisive in Title Bout
Many spectators anticipated du Plessis would endure the early pressure and mount a comeback in later rounds. However, Chimaev controlled the fight with technical wrestling, effectively neutralizing du Plessis throughout the 25-minute contest. The reigning champion showcased remarkable top control and strategic accuracy, leaving little opportunity for du Plessis to gain an advantage.
In his post-fight conversation with Joe Rogan, du Plessis complimented Chimaev’s approach.
“The man has incredible control on the top,”
Du Plessis remarked.
“He’s just like a blanket. It wasn’t a matter of strength. It wasn’t that physical, it was almost as if he knew what your next move is going to be. He got it without using too much power and I had to decide, am I going to be on my back or have him on my back? At the end I went for it, had the back. I could almost taste that victory but big ups to Khamzat.”
—Dricus du Plessis, UFC Fighter
Du Plessis Accepts Defeat but Vows to Return Stronger
While he was unable to counter Chimaev’s wrestling in this contest, du Plessis remains confident in his potential to reclaim the middleweight belt and become a two-time champion. He acknowledged Chimaev’s performance as well-deserved, emphasizing respect for his opponent’s victory.
“He deserves this 100 percent,”
du Plessis said.
“He beat me fair and square tonight. He was the better man tonight and I’ll be back, and I’m coming to get my belt back. But for now, it’s his and he deserves it. … I’ll be back stronger and better than ever.”
—Dricus du Plessis, UFC Fighter
Impact of the Fight and Future Prospects
This loss interrupted du Plessis’ impressive 11-fight winning streak, marking a major moment in his career. Meanwhile, Khamzat Chimaev remains undefeated with a 15-0 record and now holds the UFC Middleweight Championship title. The fight’s outcome shifts the middleweight division landscape and sets up potential future matchups as du Plessis aims to regain his standing among the elite. Notable figures in the MMA world, including Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, have reacted differently to Chimaev’s title win, highlighting the broader interest in this pivotal moment.