“You’ll run out of breath before I break a sweat!”: Dricus Du Plessis mocks Khamzat Chimaev ahead of UFC 319

The war of words has officially begun. Ahead of their highly anticipated clash at UFC 319, newly crowned middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis has fired a brutal verbal jab at undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev, mocking the Chechen-born fighter’s cardio and confidence. As the trash talk heats up, so does the intensity surrounding what may become one of the most explosive title fights of 2025.

In an interview that quickly went viral, Du Plessis boldly declared, “You’ll run out of breath before I break a sweat!”—a clear shot at Chimaev’s gas tank, which has been questioned in some of his recent performances. The South African fighter didn’t stop there, taunting Chimaev for what he sees as hype over substance and promising to “drag him into deep waters.”

The two warriors are set to collide at UFC 319 in a middleweight title bout that could redefine the future of the division. With contrasting fighting styles, national pride, and undefeated reputations on the line, this is more than just another championship fight — it’s personal.

Dricus Du Plessis: From Underdog to Unshakable Champion

Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis has been one of the UFC’s most surprising breakout stars in recent years. Known for his relentless pressure, unorthodox movement, and unshakable cardio, Du Plessis stunned the MMA world when he defeated Sean Strickland to claim the UFC middleweight title earlier this year. Many doubted his abilities going into that fight, but Du Plessis silenced critics with a gritty, high-volume performance that showcased both his durability and fight IQ.

Since then, the South African champion has wasted no time in establishing himself as a vocal and fearless titleholder. Rather than take a soft defense, Du Plessis demanded the best — and now, he’s getting Khamzat Chimaev, a fighter considered one of the most dangerous prospects in the sport.

But Du Plessis isn’t intimidated. In fact, he’s relishing the challenge.

“Khamzat’s been hyped up like he’s invincible,” Du Plessis said. “But the truth is, he’s never fought someone like me. I’m not going to fold under pressure. I am the pressure.”

Khamzat Chimaev: The Undefeated Boogeyman of the UFC

Ever since Khamzat Chimaev burst onto the UFC scene in 2020 with back-to-back finishes just ten days apart, he has been treated as a future champion in waiting. His dominant wrestling, crushing ground-and-pound, and suffocating pressure made him an instant fan favorite. With an undefeated record and an aura of invincibility, Chimaev has long been seen as the man to beat — regardless of division.

However, questions about Chimaev’s cardio and discipline have started to bubble to the surface. His narrow decision win over Kamaru Usman at UFC 294 exposed some flaws, especially in the later rounds, where his explosiveness began to fade. Critics and analysts have questioned whether Chimaev can go five hard rounds with an elite opponent at middleweight.

That’s precisely the angle Du Plessis is attacking.

“This isn’t a three-rounder against a welterweight,” Du Plessis said. “This is five rounds at middleweight, and I’m going to make him pay for every second he’s in there with me.”

“You’ll Run Out of Breath Before I Break a Sweat” — Mind Games Begin

The now-iconic line, “You’ll run out of breath before I break a sweat,” was dropped by Du Plessis during a media scrum in Cape Town, South Africa, and instantly sparked headlines across the MMA world. It wasn’t just a boast — it was a calculated psychological strike.

Du Plessis is known for his relentless conditioning and ability to maintain a brutal pace throughout a full five-round fight. Against Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland, he proved he could take punishment and keep pushing forward. Chimaev, meanwhile, has yet to be truly tested in the championship rounds.

By mocking Chimaev’s endurance, Du Plessis is planting a seed of doubt — not just in Chimaev’s mind, but in the minds of fans, analysts, and even the UFC brass.

What’s at Stake at UFC 319

The stakes for UFC 319 couldn’t be higher. If Dricus Du Plessis wins, he solidifies himself as a legitimate and possibly dominant middleweight champion. It would be his second successful title fight in under a year and a statement that he belongs among the UFC’s elite champions.

For Khamzat Chimaev, this is the moment of truth. After years of build-up, viral finishes, and Twitter callouts, it’s finally time to prove that the hype is real. A win would make him an undefeated UFC champion and potentially set up a long reign of dominance.

But a loss? That could be devastating. The mystique of Chimaev’s invincibility would be shattered, and questions about his ability to compete at the elite level could linger for years.

Stylistic Matchup: Clash of Pressure vs Control

From a technical standpoint, Du Plessis vs Chimaev offers a fascinating clash of styles. Chimaev is a mauling grappler with exceptional takedown ability and vicious ground control. He overwhelms opponents early with speed, aggression, and strength. But Du Plessis thrives in the chaos. His awkward movement, underrated wrestling, and iron lungs make him incredibly hard to finish or wear down.

If Chimaev can get Du Plessis to the mat early, he might dominate. But if the fight drags into the later rounds, the South African’s conditioning and grit could turn the tide.

This isn’t just a physical test. It’s a battle of heart, pace, and composure — and both men believe they have the edge.

The Global Stage: Africa vs The Caucasus

Beyond the technical and personal stakes, UFC 319 carries geopolitical and cultural weight. Dricus Du Plessis, the UFC’s first-ever South African champion, has proudly represented his nation and continent. His rise has ignited a passionate fan base in Africa and added momentum to UFC President Dana White’s dream of hosting a UFC event on African soil.

Khamzat Chimaev, though born in Chechnya and representing the UAE, has a massive following across the Middle East, Russia, and Scandinavia. He carries the pride of multiple regions and has become a polarizing figure due to his brash persona and controversial alliances.

When these two meet in the octagon, it won’t just be about belts. It will be a collision of cultural icons, each fighting for far more than themselves.

Dana White: “This One’s Going to Be Crazy”

UFC President Dana White has teased that UFC 319 could be one of the biggest cards of the year, and he’s been vocal about his excitement for Du Plessis vs Chimaev.

“This one’s going to be crazy,” White told ESPN. “You’ve got two guys who don’t back down, both undefeated in their divisions, both ready to kill each other in there. That’s what sells fights.”

White also acknowledged the stakes outside the cage, noting that a strong performance could turn either fighter into a global UFC superstar.

“This is a legacy fight,” White said. “Whoever wins this, they’re the face of the division. Period.”

Fan Reactions: “The Real Fight of the Year”

MMA fans have been buzzing since the announcement, calling UFC 319’s main event the real fight of the year. While other divisions struggle with inactivity or weak contenders, the middleweight division is now front and center, thanks to the personalities and styles of Du Plessis and Chimaev.

Social media erupted after Du Plessis’ “you’ll run out of breath” quote, with fans on both sides jumping into the debate. Some believe Chimaev will steamroll the champion in under a round, while others think Du Plessis will break the Chechen fighter late.

Either way, there’s no indifference — and that’s what makes this fight so compelling.

Final Thoughts: A Grudge Match That Could Become a Classic

As UFC 319 approaches, the excitement surrounding Dricus Du Plessis vs Khamzat Chimaev continues to build. With trash talk intensifying and stylistic fireworks all but guaranteed, this could be the rare title fight that lives up to every ounce of the hype.

Whether Du Plessis proves his dominance with a late-round finish or Chimaev silences the doubters with a fast mauling, one thing is certain: this is the kind of fight that defines careers — and possibly, legacies.

The message has been sent. “You’ll run out of breath before I break a sweat.” Now, all that’s left is for them to step into the cage and settle it the only way that matters — with fists, grit, and heart.