Du Plessis responds to Chimaev after the insult: ‘He says I’m useless? Look back at the past 2.5 years, who is the true dominator?

The UFC middleweight division has always been a place for fierce rivalries and larger-than-life personalities, but the feud between Dricus Du Plessis and Khamzat Chimaev has reached new levels of intensity. The tension escalated recently after Chimaev insulted Du Plessis, labeling him as “useless.” Known for his brash, unapologetic attitude, Chimaev often stirs the pot with his provocative remarks, but Du Plessis’s fiery response left the MMA world buzzing.

In his comeback, Du Plessis questioned Chimaev’s ability to truly dominate in the UFC and issued a challenge for the entire fight community to look back at his remarkable rise over the last 2.5 years. Du Plessis made it clear: despite Chimaev’s quick rise to prominence, he is the true dominator of the middleweight division, having shown consistent dominance over a period of time.

The Insult That Sparked the Feud

Khamzat Chimaev is no stranger to trash talk and controversy. Known for his ruthless approach to the fight game, Chimaev has earned the nickname “Borz” for his savage fighting style, often overwhelming opponents within the first few minutes of a fight. His fast rise in the UFC has been nothing short of extraordinary, with multiple finishes in under a minute, earning him the reputation of a fighter who is always a step ahead.

However, in a recent interview, Chimaev targeted Du Plessis, dismissing him as “useless” and claiming that he hadn’t beaten anyone significant in the UFC. The remarks were not only aimed at undermining Du Plessis’s career but were also a challenge to his achievements in the middleweight division.

Chimaev’s exact words were:

“Du Plessis? Useless. He hasn’t fought anyone worth mentioning. He’s just another name in the rankings.”

For Chimaev, this was typical of his style: no holds barred and relentless in his effort to assert dominance. But this time, he went too far. His insult was a direct challenge to Du Plessis’s rising reputation and potential title aspirations.

Du Plessis Fires Back: A Challenge to Chimaev’s Dominance

It didn’t take long for Du Plessis to respond. The South African middleweight was quick to make his voice heard, calling out Chimaev’s trash talk while reminding him of his impressive track record over the past 2.5 years.

In an impassioned statement, Du Plessis retorted:

“He says I’m useless? Look back at the past 2.5 years. Who is the true dominator? I’ve fought the toughest in the division, and I’ve beaten them all. What has he really done?”

Du Plessis’s words were a clear challenge to Chimaev’s fast-paced rise in the UFC. While Chimaev’s record has been impressive, Du Plessis has steadily climbed the ranks, taking on and defeating some of the toughest names in the division. His rise has been nothing short of remarkable, with notable victories that have positioned him as a true contender for the middleweight title.

The Rise of Du Plessis: Dominating the Middleweight Division

Dricus Du Plessis’s rise to UFC prominence has been built on a series of outstanding performances. Over the last 2.5 years, Du Plessis has become one of the most dangerous fighters in the middleweight division. His impressive run has featured victories over top-tier competition, demonstrating his ability to take on the best and come out on top.

• Victory Over Robert Whittaker: In one of his standout moments, Du Plessis defeated former middleweight champion Robert Whittaker. The fight was a thrilling display of Du Plessis’s technical prowess and his ability to weather the storm. Despite facing one of the division’s best strikers, Du Plessis pressured Whittaker throughout the fight, showing that he could contend with elite fighters.

• Defeating Sean Strickland: Another key win came against Sean Strickland. In a pivotal moment, Du Plessis overcame Strickland for the interim middleweight title, establishing himself as one of the top fighters in the division. His ability to go the distance with a tough fighter like Strickland while remaining composed under pressure was a testament to his growing skillset.

• Impressive Finishes: Du Plessis has gained a reputation for his dominant finishes, often overwhelming his opponents with a blend of powerful striking and relentless cardio. His ability to mix in aggressive attacks with precision and endurance has made him a fighter no one wants to face in the Octagon.

For Du Plessis, the last 2.5 years have been about consistent, relentless performance. He’s been in the cage with some of the best fighters in the world and has shown time and time again that he has what it takes to win against top-level competition.

Chimaev’s Rise: Lightning Quick, But With Questions

While Du Plessis has climbed the ranks steadily, Khamzat Chimaev has made an explosive entrance into the UFC, earning himself a reputation for his almost mythical dominance. Chimaev’s record is staggering, and his ability to finish fights in record time has left fans and analysts alike in awe.

• The Jingliang Fight: One of Chimaev’s breakout moments came when he defeated Li Jingliang in a dominant fashion at UFC 267. He submitted Jingliang in just over three minutes, further cementing his status as one of the UFC’s most dangerous fighters.

• The Battle with Gilbert Burns: Although he went to decision with Gilbert Burns in a highly competitive fight, Chimaev showed that he could withstand tough competition and still come out on top. The fight proved that he had the mental toughness to go the distance, even when his usual early finishes weren’t possible.

• A Rivalry with Kamaru Usman: Chimaev’s rumored fight with Kamaru Usman added fuel to his growing legend. The talk of facing one of the best welterweights in the world put Chimaev on a clear path toward a title shot, further enhancing his reputation as a top-tier fighter.

However, Chimaev’s meteoric rise has raised some important questions. While he has delivered incredible finishes and remains an unstoppable force in the cage, his rise has been extremely quick compared to Du Plessis’s steady climb. Many fans and analysts are wondering if Chimaev’s style will hold up over a longer period, especially against opponents who can withstand early pressure and take fights into the later rounds.

The Clash of Styles: Who Is the True Dominator?

Now, with both Du Plessis and Chimaev circling each other in the middleweight division, the debate over who the true dominator is intensifies. The contrast between the two is striking.

• Du Plessis: The Steady Climb: Du Plessis’s career has been built on resilience, hard work, and a series of tough battles. His ability to take on some of the toughest fighters in the world and come out victorious has earned him the label of a true contender in the division. He has proven that his game plan works over time and that his mental toughness allows him to rise to the occasion when faced with adversity.

• Chimaev: The Unstoppable Force: On the other hand, Chimaev’s rapid ascension to the top has been fueled by his fearless approach and his ability to finish opponents quickly. His aggressive style, combined with his strength and ferocity, makes him a dangerous fighter for anyone in the division. But, his lack of extended fight experience against elite competition raises questions about his longevity in the UFC.

Looking Ahead: Who Will Dominate the UFC Middleweight Division?

As the rivalry between Du Plessis and Chimaev continues to unfold, fans are eager to see who will truly claim the middleweight throne. Both fighters bring different strengths to the table, and their upcoming showdown (which many expect to happen in the near future) could determine the future of the UFC middleweight division.

For now, Dricus Du Plessis’s response to Chimaev’s insults has reignited the debate over who the real dominator in the division is. Du Plessis’s rise has been a result of consistent hard work, while Chimaev’s rise has been marked by rapid dominance. The question remains: will Du Plessis’s steady approach hold up against the quick finishes of Chimaev?

Only time will tell, but one thing is for certain: the middleweight division is in for one heck of a showdown.