“I’m Not Gilbert Burns” – Du Plessis Says Khamzat Won’t Survive Five Minutes This Time

ricus Du Plessis is not holding back. The reigning UFC Middleweight Champion has fired off a brutal warning to Khamzat Chimaev, making it clear that if the two ever meet inside the Octagon, it won’t be anything like Chimaev’s war with Gilbert Burns. According to Du Plessis, Chimaev won’t even make it past the first five minutes.

Dricus Du Plessis Calls Out Khamzat Chimaev

With the UFC middleweight division heating up, Dricus Du Plessis is demanding a matchup that fans have been salivating over: a showdown with undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev. But Du Plessis isn’t just issuing a standard callout — he’s going for the jugular.

“I’m not Gilbert Burns,” Du Plessis said in a recent interview. “Chimaev isn’t making it past five minutes with me. I promise you that.”

By referencing Gilbert Burns, who took Chimaev to a decision in 2022, Du Plessis is making it clear that he sees himself as a different kind of problem — one that will dismantle Chimaev before the fight even gets going.

The Burns Fight and Chimaev’s Reputation

Chimaev’s decision win over Gilbert Burns was widely praised for showing his toughness and ability to go deep into a fight. But for some, it also raised questions. The fight was the first time Chimaev had been seriously tested, and it revealed vulnerabilities in his gas tank and striking defense.

Du Plessis believes he’ll exploit those flaws in even more devastating fashion.

“If that version of Chimaev shows up against me, it’s over in the first,” Du Plessis stated confidently. “I bring pressure, power, and fight IQ. I’m not going to get dragged into a war. I’ll end it before it becomes one.”

Du Plessis’ Relentless Style

The South African has made a name for himself with a high-pressure style that breaks opponents down mentally and physically. His come-forward approach, combined with devastating finishing instincts, makes him a nightmare matchup for anyone — even someone as hyped as Khamzat Chimaev.

Du Plessis has racked up big wins over Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, showcasing a well-rounded game that includes knockout power and sneaky grappling transitions. He claims that Chimaev has never dealt with a fighter who blends aggression and intelligence as seamlessly as he does.

Khamzat Chimaev’s Silence Speaks Volumes

Interestingly, Khamzat Chimaev has yet to respond to Du Plessis’ verbal attack. For someone known for being brash and confrontational, his silence is raising eyebrows. Some interpret it as strategic patience, while others see it as a sign of reluctance.

Du Plessis didn’t miss the opportunity to point it out. “When I bark, the wolves go quiet,” he said, with a smirk. “He knows I’m not like the others. He knows this won’t be a walk in the park.”

UFC’s Dilemma: Protect the Hype or Book the Fight?

The UFC now finds itself in a difficult position. Dricus Du Plessis vs. Khamzat Chimaev would be a blockbuster fight, easily headlining a PPV event. But Khamzat remains a valuable marketing asset, and a brutal defeat could derail the promotion’s long-term plans.

The organization must decide: keep Chimaev away from high-risk matchups like Du Plessis or give fans the fight they want.

Stylistic Breakdown: Du Plessis vs. Chimaev

Khamzat Chimaev is known for his early aggression, smothering wrestling, and explosive strikes. His game plan often revolves around immediate takedowns and ground-and-pound dominance.

However, Du Plessis offers a different puzzle. He’s comfortable in chaos, has elite conditioning, and carries power in both hands. He’s also proven that he can fight off his back and scramble out of bad positions.

If Chimaev can’t finish Du Plessis early, the South African’s cardio and fight IQ could turn the tide quickly. On the feet, Du Plessis has the tools to nullify Chimaev’s predictable entries and punish him with uppercuts and knees.

Du Plessis’ Mental Warfare

The psychological aspect of this feud is just as intense as the potential fight itself. By declaring “I’m not Gilbert Burns,” Du Plessis is making a bold psychological play. He’s planting seeds of doubt — in fans, in media, and perhaps even in Chimaev himself.

It’s classic mental warfare. And Du Plessis, who has already conquered former champions, knows how to weaponize it.

“He can do all the yelling on social media he wants,” Du Plessis said. “When we step into that cage, it’s just me, him, and the reality he’s not ready for.”

The Fans Want Violence

Social media is ablaze with demand for this fight. From Twitter to Reddit, fans are begging the UFC to make Du Plessis vs. Chimaev happen. The contrast in styles, the trash talk, and the high stakes make this an irresistible matchup.

Some fans believe Du Plessis is simply too big, too experienced, and too composed to fall for Chimaev’s early onslaught. Others are still riding the Chimaev hype train, convinced that the Chechen-born star is the future of the UFC.

But the most intriguing part? Nobody knows how it will actually play out.

Du Plessis Is Ready Now

If Du Plessis has his way, this fight won’t be something to build toward — it’s something that should happen now. He’s healthy, active, and riding the kind of momentum that demands big fights.

“I don’t need time. I don’t need tune-ups,” he said. “I’m ready to go. If he’s man enough, let’s do it this summer. Main event. Five rounds. I dare him.”

Could This Be the End of the Chimaev Hype?

For all of Khamzat’s brilliance, his UFC career has been sporadic. Inactivity, weight issues, and opponent changes have stalled his rise. A loss to Du Plessis could strip away the mystique — and change the entire landscape of the middleweight division.

And that’s exactly what Du Plessis is counting on.

“He’s had his time riding the hype. But now it’s my era,” he said. “Let’s see how much of a wolf he really is when he’s backed into a corner.”

Final Thoughts: The UFC Needs to Make It Happen

The heat, the drama, and the stakes are all in place. The only thing missing? A fight contract. Du Plessis vs. Chimaev is the kind of high-octane, grudge-fueled fight the UFC thrives on. It would electrify fans, shake up the division, and potentially crown the baddest man at 185.

And if Du Plessis is right, it might not last more than five minutes.

Bold predictions, brutal honesty, and a burning desire to expose the truth behind the hype — this is what makes MMA compelling.

Now it’s time for the UFC to let it happen.