SHOCKING UFC 317 TWIST: Dricus Du Plessis Vs. Khamzat Chimaev Main Event Confirmed—Secrets Revealed Below!

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UFC fans, buckle up! The highly anticipated showdown between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev is now officially set as the main event for UFC 317. The fight will take place at the iconic T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, during International Fight Week. With two of the most dominant middleweight fighters on the planet clashing for UFC gold, this event has all the makings of an unforgettable night of action inside the Octagon.

Both fighters have had meteoric rises in the sport, and this bout could solidify their legacy in the middleweight division. With fight fans eagerly awaiting the showdown, let’s break down everything you need to know about this explosive matchup, including their paths to this moment, their fighting styles, and what’s at stake for the future of the UFC’s middleweight division.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Reigning Middleweight Champion

Fighter Profile

Name: Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis
Record: 23-2-0
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 185 lbs
Fighting Style: Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Notable Wins: Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, Sean Strickland

Dricus Du Plessis has taken the middleweight division by storm. The South African fighter captured the UFC Middleweight Championship earlier this year with a decisive victory over former champ Sean Strickland. Known for his relentless pressure, striking power, and high-level grappling, Du Plessis has shown that he belongs among the sport’s elite.

Recent Performances and Rise to the Top

After winning the championship, Du Plessis faced criticism from some fans and fighters who believed he hadn’t truly been tested against the best competition. However, his back-to-back victories over Robert Whittaker and Israel Adesanya proved he is not just a dominant force but also a well-rounded and resilient champion.

With an iron chin, incredible cardio, and a never-say-die attitude, Du Plessis has consistently silenced doubters. His ability to absorb damage and come forward with relentless pressure makes him one of the toughest matchups in the division. However, he has yet to face someone with the grappling pedigree and raw aggression of Khamzat Chimaev.

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Destroyer

Fighter Profile

Name: Khamzat “Borz” Chimaev
Record: 14-0-0
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 185 lbs
Fighting Style: Wrestling, Sambo, Striking
Notable Wins: Gilbert Burns, Kevin Holland, Robert Whittaker

If there is one fighter in the UFC who has caused more chaos and fear in two weight divisions, it’s Khamzat Chimaev. The undefeated Chechen-Swedish fighter has destroyed nearly everyone in his path with a combination of world-class wrestling and vicious striking.

Dominance Across Divisions

Chimaev started his UFC career at welterweight (170 lbs), where he steamrolled through competition with incredible ease. After a legendary three-round war with Gilbert Burns, Chimaev decided to move up to middleweight (185 lbs), where he has been just as dominant.

His most recent fight saw him dismantle former champion Robert Whittaker in the first round, securing a submission victory and proving he is ready for a title shot. With an unbeaten record and an aura of invincibility, Chimaev is looking to prove that he is the future of the UFC.

The Path to UFC 317: How This Fight Became a Reality

The UFC middleweight division has been in flux over the last few years, with fighters like Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira, Sean Strickland, and Du Plessis all holding or fighting for the title. However, the emergence of Khamzat Chimaev forced the UFC’s hand in giving him a title shot sooner rather than later.

Originally, Du Plessis was rumored to have a rematch with Sean Strickland, but after Chimaev’s dominant win over Whittaker, Dana White and the UFC matchmakers could no longer ignore the hype. Fans had been clamoring for this fight, and with both men healthy and ready, UFC 317 became the perfect battleground for the highly anticipated matchup.

Why This Fight Matters:

Du Plessis wants to prove he is a worthy champion by beating the most feared man in the division.
Chimaev wants to claim UFC gold and maintain his undefeated record.
Both fighters have clashed verbally in interviews, and now, it’s time to settle the score inside the Octagon.

Fighting Styles and Key Strategies

Dricus Du Plessis: Relentless Pressure & Knockout Power

Du Plessis fights like a man possessed. His pressure-heavy style and ability to absorb damage make him a nightmare for opponents. He often overwhelms his adversaries with non-stop strikes and takedown attempts, making it nearly impossible to find a rhythm against him.

Key Strategies for Victory:

Keep the fight standing – Chimaev’s wrestling is elite, so Du Plessis needs to avoid being taken down at all costs.
Utilize striking volume – Constant pressure and combinations can break Chimaev’s rhythm.
Cardio advantage – If Du Plessis can drag Chimaev into the later rounds, he may have the upper hand in endurance.

Khamzat Chimaev: Wrestling Domination & Submission Threats

Chimaev is one of the best wrestlers in the UFC. His suffocating grappling and ground control allow him to dictate fights on his terms. He wastes no time in taking opponents down and unleashing relentless ground-and-pound or securing submissions.

Key Strategies for Victory:

Take the fight to the ground – If Chimaev gets Du Plessis down early, he can control the fight and look for a finish.
Pressure from the opening bell – Chimaev thrives on explosive starts, which could put Du Plessis on the back foot.
Exploit striking openings – Though known for his wrestling, Chimaev has one-punch knockout power, which makes him dangerous everywhere.

What’s at Stake for the Middleweight Division?

This fight is more than just a championship defense—it has huge implications for the future of the division.

If Du Plessis Wins:

He cements himself as the undisputed champion.
He could potentially face Israel Adesanya in a rematch or move up to light heavyweight (205 lbs) for a super fight.

If Chimaev Wins:

He becomes the new middleweight king and remains undefeated.
He might defend against fighters like Strickland or Whittaker.
A win could set up a champion vs. champion showdown with someone from another division.

Fan Predictions & Expert Analysis

Joe Rogan has called this “one of the most exciting middleweight matchups in years.”
Daniel Cormier believes that “Du Plessis has the toughness, but Chimaev’s wrestling could be too much.”
Michael Bisping thinks “this is a true 50/50 fight that could go either way.”

Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Battle for UFC 317

Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev is one of the most exciting fights of the year. Both men are warriors, and both have everything to gain—and lose—on fight night. With UFC gold on the line, legacies at stake, and the potential for fireworks inside the Octagon, UFC 317 is shaping up to be a legendary event.

Who will walk out as the middleweight champion? Will Chimaev’s undefeated streak continue, or will Du Plessis prove he’s the king of the division?

Mark your calendars—UFC 317 is going to be epic!