Exclusive: Dricus du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev is being considered for the main event of UFC 318

The UFC is on the verge of finalizing one of the most exciting middleweight title fights in recent memory. Reigning champion Dricus “Stillknocks” du Plessis is set to defend his belt against the undefeated powerhouse Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev at UFC 318.

This matchup has sent shockwaves through the MMA community, as it pits two of the most dominant forces in the 185-pound division against each other. With du Plessis’ unrelenting pressure and striking ability facing off against Chimaev’s elite wrestling and raw power, this fight has all the ingredients of an instant classic.

Here’s a complete breakdown of this thrilling bout, including fighter backgrounds, stylistic matchups, fan reactions, and what’s at stake for both competitors.

Dricus du Plessis: The Reigning Middleweight Champion

Dricus du Plessis, the pride of South Africa, has quickly risen to the top of the UFC’s middleweight division. At 29 years old, he boasts an impressive professional record of 23 wins and 2 losses.

A Meteoric Rise to the Title

Du Plessis made his UFC debut in 2020 and immediately turned heads with his relentless aggression and knockout power. Over the years, he has racked up wins over some of the division’s biggest names, including Robert Whittaker, Derek Brunson, and Sean Strickland.

His championship victory over Strickland at UFC 297 was a defining moment in his career. Despite being the underdog, Du Plessis showcased incredible durability and fight IQ, outstriking Strickland and controlling the later rounds to claim the belt via unanimous decision.

Fighting Style and Strengths

Du Plessis is known for his powerful striking and his unorthodox yet effective stand-up game leading to multiple knockouts. He applies relentless pressure and endurance, constantly moving forward and forcing his opponents to fight at his pace. Though he prefers striking, he has well-rounded grappling with solid takedown defense and submission skills.

Against Chimaev, du Plessis will need to rely on his ability to withstand early pressure and drag the fight into the later rounds, where he excels.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Unstoppable Contender

Khamzat Chimaev, the undefeated Chechen-Swedish phenom, has been one of the most dominant fighters in the UFC since his debut in 2020. At just 30 years old, he holds a flawless record of 14 wins and 0 losses, with most victories coming via knockout or submission.

Rapid Ascent to UFC Stardom

Chimaev exploded onto the scene with three dominant wins in just 66 days, setting a UFC record. His ability to seamlessly mix wrestling, ground control, and striking made him an instant fan favorite.

Despite competing in both welterweight (170 lbs) and middleweight (185 lbs), Chimaev has struggled with weight cuts, leading him to focus on middleweight full-time. His most recent victory at UFC 308, where he submitted former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round, cemented his status as the rightful No. 1 contender.

Fighting Style and Strengths

Chimaev’s skill set is nothing short of terrifying. He possesses elite wrestling, smothering opponents with relentless takedowns and ground control. Though known for wrestling, he has explosive striking with one-punch knockout power. He also fights with an aggressive pace, wasting no time and overwhelming opponents from the opening bell.

For du Plessis, the key challenge will be neutralizing Chimaev’s early onslaught and testing his gas tank in later rounds.

The Road to UFC 318: How This Fight Came Together

This fight has been brewing for months. Here’s a look at the events that led to the UFC booking du Plessis vs. Chimaev.

October 2024: UFC 308: Chimaev dominates Robert Whittaker, submitting him in the first round. Fans immediately called for him to fight for the title.

January 2025: UFC 297: Du Plessis defeats Sean Strickland to claim the middleweight belt. During post-fight interviews, he expressed interest in facing Chimaev.

February 2025: Dana White Confirms Matchup: UFC President Dana White states that Chimaev is “next in line” for a title shot, setting the stage for UFC 318.

March 2025: Fight Nearly Finalized: Reports indicate that contracts are almost signed, with UFC 318 likely to take place in June 2025 in Las Vegas.

Fight Breakdown: Key Factors That Could Decide the Outcome

Can Du Plessis Survive the Early Storm?

Chimaev has a reputation for finishing fights quickly. He overwhelmed top contenders like Gerald Meerschaert (17-second KO) and Kevin Holland (first-round submission) with his relentless offense.

If Du Plessis can withstand the first two rounds, he stands a much better chance of winning. His durability and conditioning could be his biggest assets in the later rounds.

Will Chimaev’s cardio hold up?

Chimaev has rarely been pushed into deep waters. His only five-round fight against Gilbert Burns showed some fatigue issues. If Du Plessis can extend the fight, he might expose Chimaev’s cardio weaknesses.

Who Has the Better Game Plan?

This fight will come down to who executes their strategy better.

Chimaev’s plan: Get an early takedown, dominate on the ground, and secure a quick submission or TKO.

Du Plessis’ plan: Survive the initial blitz, keep the fight standing, and wear Chimaev down over time.

Whichever fighter dictates the pace will likely walk away with the middleweight title.

Fan and Expert Reactions

This fight has captured the MMA world’s attention, with fighters, analysts, and fans all chiming in.

Joe Rogan (UFC Commentator): “This is one of the best fights the UFC could make right now. Chimaev is a monster, but Du Plessis has an insane will to win.”

Daniel Cormier (Former UFC Champ): “Chimaev has the tools to dominate early, but if he gasses out, du Plessis will take over.”

Fans on Social Media: “Finally! A real test for both fighters. Can’t wait for this one.”

What’s at stake?

For Dricus du Plessis, this is his chance to cement his legacy as a dominant champion. A win over Chimaev would prove he’s the best middleweight in the world.

For Khamzat Chimaev, this is his shot at UFC gold. If he wins, he becomes the new middleweight king and possibly the UFC’s next megastar.

Final Prediction: Who Wins at UFC 318?

This fight is incredibly close on paper. Both fighters have clear paths to victory, making it one of the most unpredictable matchups of the year.

If Chimaev wins, it will likely be via early submission or TKO in the first two rounds.

If du Plessis wins, expect a grueling war, with him taking control in the later rounds and possibly securing a late stoppage or decision victory.

One thing is for sure—UFC 318 is going to be an unforgettable night for MMA fans.

Final Thoughts: The Middleweight Division’s Biggest Fight of 2025

With both fighters at the peak of their powers, this bout has all the ingredients of a classic. Whether it ends in a flash knockout, a dominant grappling display, or a five-round war, UFC 318 will be a night to remember.

Get ready for fireworks—the Du Plessis vs. Chimaev era is about to begin!