Dricus du Plessis lost his middleweight title at UFC 319 when Khamzat Chimaev used his wrestling dominance to control almost every round, repeatedly taking du Plessis down and holding him in the crucifix position. The South African fighter struggled to land effective strikes as he was constantly subdued on the canvas.
This defeat highlighted a significant gap in wrestling ability within the division. Top-ranked fighters like Reinier de Ridder and rising contenders such as Anthony Hernandez possess strong wrestling foundations, raising questions about how du Plessis can contend in a division filled with elite grapplers.
Experts and Fighters Discuss the Wrestling Skill Disparity After Du Plessis’ Defeat
<pThe outcome of UFC 319 prompted analysts and fighters to question whether du Plessis and his team fully grasped the threat posed by Khamzat Chimaev’s wrestling. Many noted that du Plessis’ takedown defense appeared underdeveloped and that his attempts to escape and scramble lacked urgency and precision.
Once taken down, du Plessis found no room to mount offense or execute reversals, a stark contrast to his typical strategy of overwhelming opponents with endurance, striking pressure, and grit. Against Chimaev, however, those advantages were nullified from the start.
Veteran fighters and former champions advised that du Plessis must rebuild his defensive grappling skills before he can realistically consider regaining the belt. Reinier de Ridder observed that du Plessis
“basically allowed Chimaev to be on top with very little effort to reverse the position.”
The debate extends to du Plessis’ training camp, as critics argue they prioritized improving his striking over addressing the wrestling deficiencies that ultimately cost him. This strategic imbalance raised concerns about his ability to compete against the division’s top wrestlers in the future.
Challenges Ahead for Du Plessis in Reclaiming the Middleweight Title
Morne Visser, du Plessis’ coach, has emphasized a methodical approach to rebuild his fighter’s skills by bringing in training partners who imitate Chimaev’s relentless wrestling style—fighters who never yield space and maintain constant pressure. Visser also confirmed that they are not rushing back into a rematch, but instead aiming for long-term development.
Whether these efforts will close the gap remains uncertain. Du Plessis possesses the determination and confidence needed for another ascent, but the margin for error is narrow. The middleweight championship currently belongs to a dominant wrestler, and several other elite grapplers stand ready to challenge for the title.
To regain the championship, du Plessis must demonstrate not only that his striking remains potent but also that his wrestling defense can endure the relentless pressure of a division increasingly intolerant of fighters with a single-dimensional skill set.