Dricus Du Plessis is Bet by His Coach to ‘Crush’ Khamzat Chimaev into Pieces on the floor

The MMA world is buzzing with anticipation and controversy surrounding a potential middleweight title clash between reigning champion Dricus Du Plessis and undefeated phenom Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 317. With whispers of injuries and delays clouding the buildup, Du Plessis’ head coach, Morne Visser, has stepped forward to clear the air and make a bold declaration: not only is Du Plessis ready, but Chimaev might not be up to the challenge.

Bold Talk from Morne Visser Amid UFC 317 Speculation

Over the past week, rumors swirled online about a possible injury to Du Plessis derailing plans for UFC 317, where fans expected him to defend his belt against Khamzat Chimaev. But according to coach Morne Visser in a recent Submission Radio interview, there’s no injury, no pullout, and no confusion on their side. Instead, Visser firmly placed blame on Chimaev and UFC speculation for igniting unnecessary drama.

“We’ve spoken to UFC,” Visser confirmed. “There was never a contract sent or signed. The fight with Chimaev is what we want. We’re just waiting on the paperwork now.”

What really irked Visser, however, was the implication that Du Plessis might duck a fight. That, he said, is simply not how the champion operates. In fact, Visser made it clear: if the fight doesn’t happen, it won’t be because of the South African champion.

“We’re fighting Khamzat Chimaev, unless he pulls out. And frankly, given his history, that’s more than possible,” Visser said sharply.

Du Plessis’ Strengths: A Champion Built for War

Du Plessis captured the UFC middleweight title in early 2024 and has since made successful defenses, silencing doubters with each appearance. But according to Visser, fans haven’t even seen the best version of Du Plessis yet.

“He was maybe a 7/10 against Sean Strickland,” Visser explained, referring to Du Plessis’ gritty five-round decision win. “But even that was enough to win all five rounds. He’s levels above where he was and only getting better.”

Visser emphasized Du Plessis’ versatility. “Dricus can wrestle. He can grapple. His ground-and-pound is devastating. His submissions are slick. And on the feet? He’s phenomenal.”

And that’s where things get interesting, as Visser is confident that Chimaev, the dominant wrestler from Chechnya, would be in for a rude awakening.

“We want to fight him on the mat,” Visser said. “That’s where you prove you’re a real MMA champion. Not a boxer. Not a wrestler. A complete fighter.”

Khamzat Chimaev: Undefeated But Unreliable?

There’s no denying Khamzat Chimaev is a force in the UFC. He stormed onto the scene in 2020, running through competition with a terrifying blend of grappling and aggression. But as Visser pointed out, there’s another side to Chimaev’s story: inconsistency and missed opportunities.

“Since 2022, he’s fought maybe once a year,” Visser said. “He pulls out of fights. He misses weight. He takes short-notice bouts with built-in excuses.”

Indeed, Chimaev’s career has been a stop-start affair. Though he dominated Kevin Holland in a catchweight bout and edged past Kamaru Usman in a short-notice contest, questions remain about his readiness for a five-round war against a true middleweight like Du Plessis.

“Kamaru gave him a hard time with only ten days’ notice,” Visser scoffed. “Imagine what Dricus will do with a full camp.”

Fighting on the Mat: The Battle Plan for UFC 317

While many assume Chimaev would have the edge on the ground, Visser says that’s where Du Plessis thrives. The team is preparing specifically to beat Chimaev in his own element.

“We want the fight on the mat,” Visser repeated. “We want to tear him apart there. That’s where he’s been dominant, and that’s where Dricus will finish him.”

This approach isn’t just strategy—it’s a message. Visser and Du Plessis want to show the world that the South African isn’t just a brawler or an opportunist. He’s a complete mixed martial artist ready to dominate in all areas.

“We respect his skills, but we’re better everywhere. He’s tough, yes. But he’s not unbeatable. And his attitude? It’s frustrating. He thinks he’s already the champ. Let’s see him show up and fight.”

Du Plessis’ Championship Credentials Speak Volumes

While Chimaev has amassed hype, Du Plessis has earned everything the hard way. Since joining the UFC, he has defeated top contenders including Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, even breaking Whittaker’s jaw in a violent display of power.

“Let’s not forget,” Visser pointed out, “Dricus is the one who broke Whittaker’s jaw. Chimaev beat Whittaker after Dricus had already damaged him.”

Du Plessis has also maintained a consistent schedule. In just over 14 months, he fought three times—twice in five-round title fights, once in a four-round war.

“He shows up. He delivers. He wins,” Visser said. “That’s the kind of champion fans should want.”

Health, Rumors, and Who’s Really Pulling Out

Much of the UFC 317 drama stems from recent injury rumors. Many online believed Du Plessis might be hiding an issue. But Visser denied that flatly.

“There’s no injury. No withdrawal. No delay. We’re ready to go,” he said. “The only reason this fight isn’t official is because we’re still waiting on the contract. That’s it.”

As for Chimaev, Visser had stronger words. “If anyone pulls out, it’ll be him. That’s just what he does.”

In fact, Visser believes Khamzat Chimaev is more focused on building a media presence than on climbing the ranks with hard-earned victories.

“He wants to be a movie star. Look at his last three years. Three fights in three years. We had three fights in 14 months. All of them grueling title fights. That says everything.”

Will UFC 317 Deliver the Fight Fans Crave?

The UFC has yet to officially confirm the Du Plessis vs. Chimaev title bout for UFC 317, scheduled for June 28. But the stakes are clear, and the fans are watching.

If Chimaev does sign the contract and show up, Visser says fans should prepare for a statement performance.

“We’re not looking to edge out a decision. We’re going in there to finish him,” Visser declared. “On the mat, in his domain, we’ll break him.”

Du Plessis’ camp remains laser-focused. They believe that by exposing Chimaev in his supposed area of strength, they’ll end the hype and cement Dricus as the dominant force in the middleweight division.

“This isn’t about beef or drama. It’s about showing who the best fighter really is. If Chimaev wants to find out, he knows where to sign.”

Final Word: Can Chimaev Handle the Pressure?

As the UFC continues to finalize summer bookings, UFC 317 looms large. Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev is the fight fans want, the fight the division needs, and the test that will determine if hype can overcome hardened championship pedigree.

For now, Du Plessis is waiting—healthy, ready, and motivated. The ball is in Chimaev’s court. Will he show up and fight? Or will history repeat itself?

“We’re ready to make history again,” Visser said. “But first, Khamzat has to show up.”